Sunday, September 21, 2008

Fan Lubing

Fan Lübing was an official of the dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as during the first reign of .

During Emperor Gaozong's reign


It is not known when Fan Lübing was born. During 's ''Shangyuan'' era , Fan and several colleagues also known for literary talent -- Liu Yizhi, Yuan Wanqing , Miao Chuke , Zhou Simao , and Han Chubin -- were asked to serve as advisors to Emperor Gaozong's powerful wife , and they wrote a number of works on her behalf, including the ''Biographies of Notable Women'' , ''Guidelines for Imperial Subjects'' , and ''New Teachings for Official Staff Members'' . Collectively, they became known as the "North Gate Scholars" , because they served inside the palace, which was to the north of the imperial government buildings, and Empress Wu sought advice from them to divert the powers of the .

During Emperor Ruizong's first reign


Emperor Gaozong died in 683 and was succeeded by his son the Crown Prince , but Empress Wu retained actual power as empress dowager and regent. In spring 684, after he showed signs of independence, she deposed him and replaced him with his younger brother the Prince of Yu , but thereafter wielded power even more firmly. During her regency over Emperor Ruizong, Fan Lübing served successively as ''Luantai Shilang'' -- the deputy head of the examination bureau of government -- and deputy minister of civil service affairs . As of 689, he was serving as the minister of civil service affairs , when he was given the designation of ''Tong Fengge Luantai Pingzhangshi'' , making him a chancellor ''de facto''. He was also in charge of editing the imperial history. In 690, however, he was accused of having recommended as an official someone who later committed treason, and Empress Dowager Wu ordered him arrested and executed.

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