Zhang Gongsheng

Overview

Zhang Gongsheng appears in the appendix to Volume 79 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, listed under the Tainikan surname. His status was that of a bondservant of the Plain Blue Banner, and his family had lived in Fushun for generations; the year of their arrival is unknown. This genealogy does not mention any official position held by Zhang Gongsheng himself; the latter half mainly preserves the records of the positions held by his grandchildren and subsequent generations.

The original record states that his grandson, Zhang Yuzhu, served as a sixth-rank official; his great-grandson, Zhang Shunde, served as a scribe; and his great-great-grandson, Dingzhu, served as a sixth-rank shepherd. Mingfu served as a scribe at the time of compilation. The term "sixth-rank official" here only refers to the rank without a specific title and cannot be replaced by "sixth-rank shepherd." The two records related to the sixth rank belong to Zhang Yuzhu and Dingzhu respectively, and are from different generations.

The Plain Blue Banner and the bondservant system represent different levels of identity information and should both be preserved. The position of "Canling" (CanLing) was related to the Eight Banners organization and military and political management; "Muzhang" (MuChang) was involved in matters such as animal husbandry; and "Bitieshi" (BiTieShi) was a clerical position in the government office. These descriptions can only be used to understand the background of the descendants' positions and cannot be extended to events in which Zhang Gongsheng personally participated. The value of this entry lies in clearly presenting his family's identity and lineage. Birth and death dates or personal military achievements should not be added when no materials are available.