The role of advisor Yang Pu in the spread of the Confucian ritual system in the Jin state

Abstract

The reign of Tai-zu (Jurchen name: Aguda) and Tai-zong (Jurchen name: Wuqimai) started the Jin State’s formation. At that time, Jurchens actively recruited Liao and Song officials. These Confucian-educated officials contributed to the adaptation of the Jin State to the new political and cultural realities. They worked in the sphere of external relations of the Jurchen State, as well as in public administration and education. These officials became the transmitters of Confucian ideas on the state, power, emperor, rituals and rules. All these aspects were new to the Jurchen culture. It is known that Yang Pu, Aguda’s advisor, actively introduced Chinese ceremonies in the field of foreign relations of the Jurchen state, as well as court etiquette. It is likely that at the same time the issues of religious worship in Jin were discussed, then Aguda heeded Yang Pu’s advice about the need for joint sacrifice to Heaven and Earth, worship of ancestral spirits in temples. However, in the summer of 1123 Aguda was ill and died in the 9th month of that year. Historical sources indicate that the implementation of ceremonial transformations took place immediately after Tai-zong’s ascension to the throne, under whom Yang Pu presumably continued his service. Under Tai-zong, a new government system was introduced, new court rites and religious cults were discussed and approved. Later, ancestral temples appeared in Jin, places of worship of Heaven and Earth were identified. These and other ritual innovations were gradually integrated into the culture of the Jurchen state.