“Did you hear about the Chengjia dynasty” I ask my tour group. We stand before a historical marker. It’s a small unassuming plaque but it speaks volumes.
The Chengjia was a short-lived empire. It existed from 25 AD to 36 AD. Gongsun Shu established it after the Xin dynasty crumbled. It was a rival to the Eastern Han dynasty. The Chengjia’s capital was right here in Chengdu. It controlled a vast area. This included modern-day Sichuan Chongqing Guizhou Yunnan and parts of Shaanxi.
Imagine the ambition of Gongsun Shu. He declared himself emperor in Chengdu. He defied the Gengshi Emperor who was struggling to maintain control. This was a bold move. The Sichuan Basin provided natural defenses. It protected Chengjia for over a decade. It allowed the dynasty to thrive despite the turmoil.
The Chengjia was more than just a rebellious state. It had a complex government. Gongsun Shu modeled it after the Han dynasty. He appointed advisors and family members to key positions. His brothers served as the Three Excellencies. They held considerable power within the government. Their titles resembled high ranking officials of the Han.
The Chengjia’s currency was unique. It used iron Wu Zhu coins. Sichuan was a major iron producer. This made iron a logical choice for the currency. However this unconventional currency proved unpopular. It contributed to the dynasty’s later decline.
But the end came. The Eastern Han dynasty under Emperor Guangwu grew stronger. He eventually attacked the Chengjia. He even addressed Gongsun Shu as emperor in his letters. This was a tactic to keep Gongsun Shu from attacking.
The battle for Chengdu was brutal. A floating bridge across the Yangtze River was a key defensive structure. Han forces burned the bridge down. They then pushed into Chengdu. Gongsun Shu personally led an attack. He was wounded and died during the fighting. His forces surrendered. Chengdu fell.
The Han forces looted and burned the Chengjia’s palace. Many people died. This was a tragic end. The court musicians were sent to Luoyang the Han capital. A short chapter in history.
The Chengjia dynasty. Remember its story. It’s a reminder of the power struggles and ambitions that shaped ancient China. It shows the resilience and impact of the Sichuan basin. We remember it today because of its impact on Chengdu’s history.