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Emperor Shun
Ruler of high antiquity in the Shiji, named Chonghua and known for filial conduct, who served Yao and is said to have died on a southern tour at Cangwu
In lantern light and drifting smoke, a row of painted theatrical masks stands on a wooden rail beneath a glowing paper dragon lantern and hanging red lanterns; a folding screen painted with a river, a bridge and hills stands at the right, with a bronze burner and small lamps on the floor.
Also known as Yao Zhonghua · Yu Shun · Youyu Shi · Di Shun
- Roles
- Cultural Persona
Shun is traditionally one of the Five Emperors, named Chonghua and known as Yu Shun. The Basic Annals of the Five Emperors in the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji) tells how his father the Blind Old Man, his stepmother and his brother Xiang repeatedly tried to harm him while he went on serving them dutifully. Yao gave him his two daughters, later named Ehuang and Nüying, tested him in government and made him regent. He promoted the Eight Worthies and the Eight Benevolent, banished the Four Evils and had Gun put to death at Mount Yu, which the Book of Documents (Shangshu) also records, and later recommended Yu as successor. He is said to have died on a southern tour at Cangwu and to be buried at Jiuyi.
Life and times
Dates Dates unknown; traditionally one of the Five Emperors