CHANG CH-CHENG

died 1582, China Pinyin Zhang Juzheng powerful Chinese minister during the last years of the reign (1566/6772) of Lung-ch'ing and the first decade of the reign (15721620) of Wan-li, both of the Ming dynasty. His benevolent rule and strong foreign and economic policies are generally considered by Chinese and Western historians to have brought the Ming dynasty (13681644) to its peak. Chang gained power through his position as tutor to Lung-ch'ing. He worked to centralize the government, limit special privileges, and reclaim the tax-exempt lands owned by members of the Imperial family and official classes. By 1580 there were 106,000,000 acres in the tax registers. Chang's efforts to limit government spending, however, were a failure. Wan-li spent lavishly, and after Chang's death state resources were depleted. Partisan wrangling, temporarily abandoned under Chang's iron rule, ensued, and the dynasty rapidly declined. Although during his lifetime Chang was showered with honours and tributes, within two years after his death the Emperor had his family's land confiscated, his titles rescinded, and the record of his accomplishments blackened.