Jiang Zhan 江湛

Jiang Zhan 江湛 (407-453), courtesy name Huiyuan 徽淵, from Kaocheng 考城 in the commandery of Jiyang 濟陽 (today‘s Minquan 民權, Henan), was a high official of the Liu-Song dynasty 劉宋 (420-479), one of the Southern Dynasties 南朝 (420-589).

He started his career as Assistant Editorial Director of the Palace Library (zhuzuo zuolang 著作佐郎) and then became aide in the staff of Liu Yikang 劉義康 (409–451), the Prince of Pengcheng 彭城, afterwards in the military labour section (zuojun gongcao 左軍功曹) of Liu Yixuan 劉義宣 (415-454), the Prince of Nanqiao 南譙, and Household Administrator (neishi 內史) of the Prince of Wuling 武陵. He was then promoted to palace cadet in the household of the Heir Apparent (taizi zhongshuzi 太子中庶子) and Director of Personnel in the Imperial Secretariat (shangshu libu lang 尚書吏部郎). In 448, he was made palace attendant (shizhong 侍中), the provincial rectifier-in-chief (zhou da zhongzheng 州大中正) and General of the Left Guard (zuo wei jiangjun 左衛將軍). In 450, he was made Minister of Personnel (libu shangshu 吏部尚書). Jiang Zhan was known as incorruptible and famous for his humble living style.

In 453, when Liu Shao 劉劭 (424-453) killed his father, Emperor Wen 文皇帝 (r. 424-453), Jiang Zhan was also injured and died. Emperor Xiaowu 宋孝武皇帝 (r. 453-464), therefore, awarded to him posthumously the titles of Left Grand Master for Splendid Happiness (zuo guanglu dafu 左光祿大夫), Commander Unequalled in Honour (kaifu yitong sansi 開府儀同三司), and Cavalier attendant-in-ordinary (sanji changshi 散騎常侍). His posthumous title is Duke Zhongjian 忠簡公.