Chen Liang and "The Unity of Royal and Hegemonic Rulership": The Historical Resonance of a Southern Song Intellectual in Xu Zizhi Tongjian

Brief Introduction

Chen Liang (1143–1194), courtesy name Tongfu, and known by the alias Longchuan, was a prominent Southern Song thinker and literary figure from Yongkang in Wuzhou (present-day Zhejiang). As a key representative of the "Zhedong Practical Achievement" (Shigong) School, Chen Liang dedicated his life to the cause of resisting the Jin and restoring the national territory. He opposed the "empty talk" of the then-dominant Neo-Confucianism (Lixue), emphasized "practical achievements," and proposed a pragmatic philosophy known as "The Unity of Royal and Hegemonic Rulership" (Wang Ba Yi Zhi). Chen repeatedly submitted memorials to the court (including during the reign of Emperor Gaozong Zhao Gou and subsequent reigns of the Xiaozong era), forcefully advocating for the recovery of the Central Plains. In the Xu Zizhi Tongjian (a continuation of the historical chronicle by Liang Tingjie in the Qing Dynasty), Chen Liang’s life and memorials are documented as crucial historical materials for Southern Song political thought and social conflicts, highlighting the close link between his "Practical Achievement" ideology and his sense of temporal responsibility.

Core Knowledge Points

#### 1. The Zhedong Practical Achievement School and "The Unity of Royal and Hegemonic Rulership"
Chen Liang was a representative figure of the Zhedong Practical Achievement School. Unlike Neo-Confucian scholars such as Zhu Xi, who emphasized "self-cultivation of mind and nature," Chen Liang argued that "righteous principles reside within practical affairs," asserting that governing the state and bringing peace to the world was the fundamental purpose of learning. He proposed the theory of "The Unity of Royal and Hegemonic Rulership," arguing that the ideal "Royal Way" (Wangdao) of Confucianism and the "Hegemonic Way" (Badao) of realpolitik were not mutually exclusive. He believed rulers should adopt a pragmatic and enterprising attitude, with the restoration of the Central Plains as the supreme goal, rather than indulging in abstract moral metaphysics. This line of thought exerted a profound influence on later Southern Song intellectual currents and the "Practical Learning" (Shixue) movements of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

#### 2. The Historical Context of "Petitioning to Avenge Emperor Gaozong and Restore the Central Plains"
In the early Southern Song period when Chen Liang lived, Emperor Gaozong Zhao Gou settled in Jiangnan, adopting a policy of compromise and appeasement toward the northern Jin dynasty. Although Chen Liang did not directly memorialize Emperor Gaozong himself during the early period of Gaozong's personal rule (as his main activities were during the Xiaozong era), as a surviving intellectual of the Gaozong reign, his writings and memorials sharply criticized Gaozong’s abandonment of the north and his policy of seeking peace in seclusion. He advocated for "avenging national hatreds and wiping away family shame." In the narrative framework of Xu Zizhi Tongjian, Chen Liang’s memorials are often situated against the backdrop of Emperor Xiaozong’s "Qiánchún Era" (a period of governance) and the failure of the "Longxing Northern Expedition." This positioning highlights him as a representative voice of the pro-war intellectuals, underscoring the sharp conflict between the pro-war and pro-peace factions regarding strategic judgment and political ethics.

#### 3. Political Practice and Frustrations in the Imperial Examinations
Chen Liang took the imperial examinations four times throughout his life, suffering repeated setbacks. It was not until the first year of the Kaixi era (1205 AD) that he finally passed the examinations as a Jinshi, by which time he was already over sixty years old. Although his political propositions were not fully adopted by the Southern Song court, through memorials such as the Five Strategies for a Great Revival (Zhongxing Wuce), he systematically elaborated on domestic reforms and external military strategies, embodying the academic pursuit of "practical application for governance."

Connection with the Content of Xu Zizhi Tongjian

As a chronological general history, the value of Xu Zizhi Tongjian lies in embedding individuals' words and deeds into specific historical timelines and political events. In the chapters concerning the middle to late Southern Song period (1127–1279 AD), Chen Liang’s stories typically appear during the reigns of Emperors Xiaozong, Guangzong, and Ningzong.

1. Supplementing Historical Narratives: In Xu Zizhi Tongjian, Chen Liang’s memorials are cited as evidence of the Southern Song scholar-official class resisting the "seclusion and peace" policy. By recording the statements of Chen Liang and others, the compiler reveals the long-term struggle between pro-war and pro-peace factions within the Southern Song over "legitimacy" versus "practical interests," thereby enriching the dimensions of historical narratives constructed solely by official dynastic histories.
2. Reflection of Intellectual History: The book's account of the debates between Chen Liang and Zhu Xi reflects the tension in the Southern Song intellectual world between Neo-Confucianism and the School of Practical Achievement. Chen Liang’s pragmatic attitude of "retiring after success" contrasts with the metaphysical emphasis of Neo-Confucianism on "preserving heavenly principle and extinguishing human desires." Xu Zizhi Tongjian places these debates within the context of political decision-making, helping readers understand how ideological divergences directly influenced national border defense policies and talent selection.
3. Evaluation and Positioning: Although Liang Tingjie did not offer direct commentaries in Xu Zizhi Tongjian, the selection of Chen Liang’s texts "vigorously advocating for restoration" indirectly affirms his patriotism and strategic foresight. These contents have become important references for later assessments of the Southern Song political ecosystem, the social role of intellectuals, and the evolution of Song-Jin relations, establishing Chen Liang not just as a literatus, but as an iconic figure in the history of Southern Song political thought.

Through the compilation of Xu Zizhi Tongjian, Chen Liang’s advocacy to "avenge Emperor Gaozong and restore the Central Plains" transcends personal grievances, becoming a typical embodiment of the combination of political responsibility and pragmatic philosophy among Southern Song scholars. It holds irreplaceable value for understanding the history of ancient Chinese political thought.