| dc.description.abstract | The notion of Chu Jiang Ru Xiang (literally “out as a general; in as a chancellor”)is a great honor as well as responsibility for an official in ancient China. It denotes
that an official should assist the emperor in the imperial court in peacetime whereas command the army on the battlefield in wartime. A civil official, although well versed in literature, is not necessarily a master of martial arts; a military official, although highly capable of winning battles, is not necessarily adroit at handling civil affairs. Therefore, those who are characterized by the notion of Chu Jiang Ru Xiang must be a master of both the pen and the sword. Throughout the 276 years of the Ming
Dynasty, only three could fulfill such criterion, Sun Chengzong was one of them.
This thesis concerns the career of Sun Chengzong, who served the Wanli, Tianqi, Taichang, and Chongzhen Emperors. During his term in office, Sun underwent factional strife, Wei Zhongxian’s dominance of the government, and the rise of the
Manchu. Despite the political turbulence during the late Ming Dynasty, he remained candid, took a neutral political stance, and refrained from any cliquish bonding. At a time when corruption prevailed, he set a good example for other officials by refusing to ingratiate himself with Wei Zhongxian and to build Wei’s shrine. After the rise of the Manchus, he twice commanded the army in Liaodong as a Grand Secretary, and fought against militarily-gifted Nurhaci and Huang Taiji. Therefore, he was deeply trusted by the Tianqi and Chongzhen Emperors.
While guarding Liaodong, Sun promoted some talented generals, such as Yuan Chonghuan and Ma Shilong. In addition, he formulated the military strategy that the land of Liaodong should be guarded by the people of Liaodong, and the people of Liaodong should be nourished in the land of Liaodong. Such strategy was proven effective in combat against the cavalrymen of the Manchurian Eight Banners. His contribution not only postponed the collapse of the Ming Dynasty, but also was regarded as a glorious page in the military history of the Ming Dynasty.
As the Manchus grew powerful and gradually threatened the existence of the Ming Dynasty, many Ming Dynasty officials betrayed their country. However, Sun remained loyal. In the 11th year of Chongzhen’’s reign, he defended City Gaoyang
against the Manchus at the age of 76. His troops were outnumbered and thus defeated.Instead of surrendering to the enemy, he sacrificed for his country with his entire family, a total of more than 30 people. His loyalty to the country was rare throughout history.
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