The Transformation of “Shengguan” during Emperor Wu’s Reign (140-87B.C.).

This article aims to analyze the transformation of “Shengguan,” referring to people working in a forbidden area called “Sheng” (省) in the Palace. Government posts such as Palace Attendant (Shizhong 侍中), Palace Attendant-in-ordinary (Zhongchangshi 中常侍) and Palace Steward (Jishizhong 給事中) were considered as Shengguan and also parts of the Inner Court (中朝). To look at the transformation of Shengguan, this article will try to delineate the activity area of each position in the Palace and the scope of “Sheng.” Second, according to textual research, this article points out that during the earlier reign of Emperor Wu (武帝), Shengguan were usually served by Man of Letters (文學); however, during the later reign of Emperor Wu, Shengguan were mostly served by relatives of the Emperor or descendants of the ministers. By examining this transformation, the article argues such arrangement was first made for Emperor Wu to intervene in the Court Conference. Court Conference is a council held between the ministers before the Emperor proclaims a law or an important policy. By appointing Man of Letters as Shengguan, Emperor Wu gained support from the Court Conference when promoting certain policies. This arrangement later became unnecessary when Emperor Wu successfully controlled the Court Conference through the Imperial Secretary (御史大夫). By fully unleashing his power of authority and gradually promoting officials who followed his orders absolutely to the Three Lords (三公) and the Nine Chamberlains (九卿), in the end, Emperor Wu directly controlled the policy-making system and no longer needed the Man of Letters to interfere in the Court Conference for him.