Shang Clan

Overview

The Shang family is centrally recorded in Volume 74 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*. Shang Dade belonged to the Plain White Banner and was a bondservant, residing in Shenyang. He submitted to the Qing dynasty at the beginning of the dynasty. His son, Shang Xing, served as a Langzhong (a mid-level official) and zuoling (a military officer). His grandson, Shang Zhili, served as a deputy general and died in battle during the campaign at Dongting Lake. He was posthumously awarded the title of Yunqiwei (a military rank), which was first inherited by Shang Rui, and after Shang Rui's dismissal, it was inherited by his relative, Wuge.

Another grandson, Shang Zhijie, served as Langzhong and zuoling, and acted as the Director-General of the Imperial Household Department. Shang Zhishun served as the Director-General of the Imperial Household Department and zuoling, and Shang Zhiyao served as a Xiaoqixiao (a military officer). Descendants Shang Lin and Chang Zhu also held both civil and military positions. There are also records of him holding positions such as Ku Zhang (a warehouse manager), Zan Li Lang (a ceremonial official), and Juren (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations). Therefore, the family records simultaneously preserve information on positions in the Imperial Household Department's administration, banner management, military affairs, and ceremonial matters.

The Langzhong handled the affairs of the various departments within the government, while the zuoling managed the grassroots staff. The concurrent titles should be understood as one person holding two types of responsibilities. The Imperial Household Department oversaw all matters related to the imperial family's supplies and finances; the term "acting" indicates that Shang Zhijie was acting on behalf of the emperor and cannot be omitted. The title of Yunqiwei was a hereditary position, distinct from the actual office of a deputy general. Further verification of the kinship ties between the five ranks and their predecessors, the years of war, and the individual appointments is required; this section retains the original genealogical lineage.