1. Sang Weihan, courtesy name Guoqiao, formally the Duke of Wei, was a Chinese historian, military general, poet, and politician of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period state Later Jin, serving as chief of staff during the reigns of both of Later Jin's emperors, Shi Jingtang and Shi Chonggui.
Sang Weihan was born in 898, during the reign of Emperor Zhaozong of Tang.
Sang Weihan eventually passed the imperial examinations during the Tongguang era of Later Tang's emperor Li Cunxu.
Sang Weihan invited Sang Weihan to serve as his secretary in charge of communications.
When Shi was transferred to Hedong Circuit in 932, Sang Weihan followed him to Hedong.
Sang Weihan had Sang draft for him a petition to Khitan's Emperor Taizong, offering, in exchange for military support, to submit as subject and son, as well as cede Lulong Circuit as well as other Later Tang territory north of the Yanmen Pass to the Khitan, despite the misgivings of the general Liu Zhiyuan.
Sang Weihan made Sang Weihan imperial scholar and deputy minister of rites, acting as chief of staff.
Sang Weihan pointed out that Shi would serve Khitan interests loyally as emperor of China and that the treacherous Zhao could not be trusted.
Sang Weihan knelt in front of Emperor Taizong's tent for an entire day, pleading his case.
Sang Weihan advised Shi to comfort the military governors and not bear grudges, humbly serve the Khitan and offer tributes, train the army and firm up the defenses, and encourage farming and trade.
Sang Weihan encouraged the idea, pointing out that at that time, Fan Yanguang the military governor of Tianxiong Circuit was apparently planning to rebel, and that a move to Daliang, being far closer to Tianxiong's capital Wei Prefecture than Luoyang was, would allow quicker reaction against a potential Fan rebellion.
When Shi, with Zhang's army approaching Daliang, considered fleeing to Taiyuan, Sang Weihan urged him earnestly not to do so, and he changed his mind and remained at Daliang.
Sang Weihan thus encouraged Yang to express his displeasure to Shi.
In 939, Yang accused Sang Weihan of being partial in his commissioning of officials; overly enriching himself with mansions in both Daliang and Luoyang; and making personal fortunes in competition with the people.
Sang Weihan, pointing out that there was actually no law allowing such confiscation, reported this to Shi, urging its abolition.
Sang Weihan encouraged Shi to temporarily move his court to Yedu, so that he could react against An quickly.
Sang Weihan initially entrusted his young son Shi Chongrui to the chancellor Feng Dao, intending to have Shi Chongrui succeed him.
Sang Weihan was put in charge of editing the imperial history.
Sang Weihan repeatedly advised Shi Chonggui against taking provocative positions against Liao, to no avail, as he was opposed by Jing.
Subsequently, believing that only Sang Weihan was capable of defending the state against Liao, Shi reestablished the office of chief of staff and made Sang Weihan the chief of staff, in addition to chancellor.
Sang Weihan entrusted the affairs of the state to Sang, and it was said that within several months, the administration was in much better order.
Sang Weihan ejected Yang Guangyuan and Jing Yanguang, but only by this point was he able to put the entire army under his control.
Further, it was said that Sang Weihan reacted to things quickly and made quick decisions that people often initially questioned, but then after deeper thought would understand his rationale and obey.
Sang Weihan advocated forcing Du into retirement in light of this incident, but Shi Chonggui, citing the fact that Du was an uncle, declined, and was much displeased at Sang Weihan for suggesting it.
Thereafter, Sang Weihan, claiming his foot to be still injured, made very few attempts to see the emperor, and did not see guests, to try to avoid suspicion.
Sang Weihan spread false news that Zhao Yanshou was intending to defect to Later Jin, rumors that were believed by Feng and Li Song.
When Sang Weihan arrived at Zhang's headquarters, Zhang was initially arrogant toward him, sitting high in his seat.