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Xiao Wangzhi
Western Han statesman and classicist of the Xuan and Yuan reigns, courtesy name Changqian, from Lanling, who chaired the Shiqu Pavilion debates and took his life after a eunuch's slander.
In a council hall, a long table holds an unrolled map scroll, a brass-cornered chest and a brush pot, with tall-backed chairs around it and a bronze lamp at the left; a figure stands with their back turned on the balcony at the right, with palace roofs beyond.
Also known as Zi Changqian · Xiao Changqian
Xiao Wangzhi, courtesy name Changqian, came from Lanling in Donghai (modern Lanling, Shandong). He taught the classics to the heir apparent, the future Emperor Yuan, served as imperial counsellor and Grand Herald, and in 51 BCE presided over the Shiqu Pavilion discussions on differences among the Five Classics. After Yuan's accession he led the Masters of Writing as general of the van and director of the palace attendants, and later became Grand Tutor. When he petitioned for the dismissal of the eunuchs in the palace secretariat, Hong Gong and Shi Xian slandered him; imprisoned, he took his own life.
Life and times
Dates Birth year unknown; died c. 47–46 BCE