Sima Shao 司馬紹, Emperor Ming of Eastern Jin

Sima Shao 司馬紹 (299–325), zi Daoji 道畿. Eastern Jin emperor and writer.

Sima Shao, Emperor Ming (r. 323–325) of the Eastern Jin, was the eldest son of Sima Rui 司馬睿 (276–322), Emperor Yuan 元 (r. 318–323) of the Eastern Jin. Sima Shao displayed unusual intelligence in his youth, and his father was quite fond of him. When he was a few years old, Sima Shao sat with his father while his father was meeting with an envoy from Chang'an. He was asked “Which is farther, the sun or Chang'an?” He replied, “Chang'an is closer. I have never heard of a person who comes from the sun. This is obvious.” Emperor Yuan was surprised. The next day, the emperor hosted his officials at a banquet. He asked Sima Shao the same question. He replied, “The sun is closer.” Turning pale with consternation, Emperor Yuan asked him, “Why is your reply different from the previous day?” Sima Shao replied, “You can see the sun when you raise your eyes, but not Chang'an.” Emperor Yuan was increasingly amazed by his quick-witted intelligence.

During the early Jianxing period (313–317) of Emperor Min, Sima Shao was appointed east leader of court gentleman to defend the Guangling 廣陵 (modern Yangzhou 揚州) area. When Sima Rui formally succeeded to the throne in 318, Sima Shao was named heir designate. Sima Shao was a loyal son, and he was extremely filial. He was also well versed both in civil and military affairs. He admired men of virtue and talent, and he was known for his hospitality.

Sima Shao had a strong interest in literature. Influential court officials and celebrated writers such as Wang Dao 王導 (d. 339), Yu Liang 庾亮 (289–340), Wen Qiao 溫嶠 (288–329), Huan Yi 桓彝 (n.d.), and Ruan Fang 阮放 (n.d.) associated with him and even engaged in philosophical discussions and debates with him. Sima Shao was an independent thinker. Even Wang Dao, who was one of the most influential officials in the court, could not impose his views on Sima Shao. Sima Shao was also skilled in martial arts, and he thus earned the respect of military men.

In 322, Wang Dun 王敦 (266–324) dominated the imperial court. In an attempt to seize the imperial throne for himself, Wang Dun even held Emperor Yuan captive. Emperor Yuan eventually died of indignation on 3 January 323. Sima Shao succeeded to the imperial throne the following day. In 324, Sima Shao defeated Wang Dun and dismantled his main forces. Wang Dun died of illness the same year. In 325, Sima Shao also died at the Eastern Hall. He was twenty-seven at the time.

Sima Shao was a talented writer. Liu Xie 劉勰 (ca. 465–ca. 521) in his Wenxin diaolong writes: “Emperor Ming was gifted with intelligence and much enjoyed literary gatherings. From the time when he was a prince to his ascension to the imperial throne, he tirelessly engaged in the discussion of the Classics. He refined his feelings writing proclamations and policy statements, and displayed his literary grace in fu pieces. Yu Liang attained a close relationship with him because of his ability to compose prose works, and Wen Qiao won generous treatment by virtue of his literary gifts. In promoting literature Emperor Ming was the Han Emperor Wu of his age.”

The monograph on bibliography of the Sui shu lists Emperor Ming's collected writings in five juan. The Jiu Tang shu records a collection of the same size. This probably was lost before the Song. Twenty-nine of his prose writings, most of which are imperial edicts, are extant. He also wrote the “Chan fu” 蟬賦 (Fu on the cicada), “Yu Wen Qiao shu” 與溫嶠書 (Letter to Wen Qiao), and “Da Wen Qiao deng” 答溫嶠等 (responding to the letters of Wen Qiao et al.), which are preserved in Yan Kejun's Quan shangguo Sandai Qin Han Sanguo Liuchao wen.

Bibliography

Studies

• Cao Daoheng and Shen Yucheng, Zhongguo wenxuejia dacidian, 86.
• Bielenstein, Hans. “The Six Dynasties.” Bulletin of the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities 68 (1996): 57–59.

TPK