Pei clan of Hedong

Pei clan of hedong(河東裴氏) is a Chinese noble clan politically active since Han dynasty until the end of Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. The descendents of this clan are originally from Hedong Commandery. It was arguably founded by Pei Ling(裴陵)，earl of Haipei(解𨛬君)，a descendent of the archaic Feng clan.[1]

The Pei clan came to power during the Eastern Han dynasty. Many members of this clan hold key positions in the imperial court or commanderies. While being politically influential, Peis are also renowned for their scholarship in the studies of Confucian classics. The eight Peis(八裴) are eight siblings from the Pei clan whose fame reached the same level with Wang clan of Langya, another privileged noble family that played an extremely important role in the political life of China in the era of Six Dynasties.[2] During the six dynasties, Peis served different empires in the disunited China and were able to cement their family's influence.

When Sui dynasty of North China conquered Chen dynasty of South China in 590, China was consequentially united. By that time, the Pei clan's branches in these two empires were also reunited. During the following dynasty of Tang, the Pei clan witnessed a climax of prosperity and glory. 17 top chancellors of China were appointed out of the Pei clan of Hedong in Tang dynasty.[3] Numerous members of this clan served in different ranks of the imperial court. Some of the notable figures such as Pei Du, Pei Xingjian, and Pei Yaoqing dedicated their life to the well-being of the empire.

The clan was severely damaged during the chaotic late Tang dynasty and the following five short dynasties.Peis were never able to recover their political influence and dissolved into different social classes.

Origin of Pei clan

The origin of Pei clan is disputed by scholars of Chinese history. Lin Bao, a Confucian scholar of rites holds that Pei clan is descended from Feizi, the founder of Marquisate of Qin(This state later unified China and thus became the Qin dynasty).[4] On the other hand, some epitaphs of the members of Pei clan date back its origin to Pei Zhen, an exiled prince of Qin. He was received by the Dukedom of Jin. The Duke Ping of Jin granted him a fief. He changed his clan name to Pei, the name of the fief he owns.

Branches

These are the branches and some of their sub-branches of Pei clan of Hedong.[5] The branches of Pei clan are called Juan(眷).

References

  1. ↑ New Book of Tang vol.71
  2. ↑ Book of Jin vol.35
  3. ↑ New Book of Tang vol.71
  4. ↑ Lin Bao (812). Yuanhe Xingzuan. Chang An.
  5. ↑ Zhao chao (1998). The edited list of chancellors of New book of Tang. Beijing: Zhonghua Book Company. ISBN 7-101-01392-9.
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