Biography

During the Jianwen and Yongle Eras

In the first year of Jianwen (1399), Yang Zirong passed the provincial examination in Fujian as the top scholar. The following year, he achieved third place in the second class of the imperial examination and was appointed a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. After Prince Zhu Di of Yan led his troops into Yingtian Prefecture, Yang Zirong greeted him and asked: "Will Your Highness first pay respects at the mausoleum or first ascend the throne?" Upon hearing this, Zhu Di quickly mounted his horse to visit the mausoleum, and thus Yang Zirong gained his favor.

After Emperor Chengzu ascended the throne, Yang Zirong was directly admitted to the Wenyuan Pavilion and changed his name to Yang Rong. At that time, there were seven members in the cabinet, and Yang Rong was the youngest and most alert. One day, an urgent report came from Ningxia stating it was under siege. Emperor Chengzu urgently summoned the cabinet for consultation, but only Yang Rong was on duty at the time. The emperor showed him the report, and Yang Rong responded: "Ningxia's city is well-fortified, and everyone there is skilled in martial arts. Besides, the report has already taken ten days to reach here; by now, the siege must have been lifted." By midnight, a report confirming the lifting of the siege indeed arrived. Emperor Chengzu greatly praised Yang Rong.

A rebellion occurred in Jiangxi, and the court sent messengers to pacify it, followed by troops led by Governor-General Han Guan. After receiving news of the successful pacification, Emperor Chengzu wanted to reward Han Guan. However, Yang Rong advised: "At the time the report was issued, Han Guan had not yet arrived; he should not be credited with merit." This further earned him the emperor's trust, and he was later promoted to Lecturer. When the crown prince was established, Yang Rong advanced to Assistant Grand Tutor and continued to hold his position in the Hanlin Academy, receiving second-rank attire. Emperor Chengzu was stern and could become angry when discussions with ministers did not reach a conclusion. Each time Yang Rong arrived, he resolved the issues.

In the fifth year of Yongle (1408), Yang Rong was ordered to travel to Gansu to handle military affairs. He recorded the terrain and examined the troops and civilians, inspecting fortifications along the way, and reported back to the Wu Ying Hall. It was a hot summer, and Emperor Chengzu was delighted, personally cutting watermelon for him. Soon after, Yang Rong was promoted to Right Attendant, still retaining his original position. The next year, he returned home due to his father's death but resumed duty shortly after the funeral. In the following year, he requested leave to return home again because of his mother's death, but Emperor Chengzu, citing urgent northern tours, did not grant permission and instead ordered him to accompany Hu Guang and Jin Youzi.

Gansu's commander-in-chief He Fu reported that Tuotuo Buhua was requesting surrender. Yang Rong traveled to Gansu again, accompanied He Fu in accepting the surrender, and conferred on him the title of Marquis of Ningyuan directly from the army. He then proceeded to Ningxia, where he planned border affairs with the Marquis of Ningyang Chen Mao. Upon returning to court, he submitted ten proposals, all of which were approved by Emperor Chengzu.

In the eighth year of Yongle (1411), Yang Rong accompanied Emperor Chengzu on a northern campaign and resolved issues related to military provisions. The following year, he requested leave for his father's funeral, and Emperor Chengzu sent an eunuch to accompany him. Upon returning, Emperor Chengzu inquired about the situation in Fujian and the harvest that year, and Yang Rong provided detailed answers. Later, he was ordered to serve the imperial princes in reading at the Wenhua Hall. In the tenth year of Yongle, Gansu's governor Song Hu reported a Mongol rebellion as a potential threat to the border. Emperor Chengzu dispatched Yang Rong to Shaanxi to discuss military strategies with Marquis Li Bin. Upon returning, Yang Rong reported: "It is not the right time for a winter campaign, and only a few are guilty; it would be inappropriate to launch an attack." Emperor Chengzu accepted his advice, and the rebels eventually surrendered.

The following year, Yang Rong accompanied Hu Guang and Jin Youzi on another northern tour. In the next year, they campaigned against the Oirats, with Crown Prince Zhu Zhanji in tow. Emperor Chengzu ordered Yang Rong to instruct Zhu Zhanji on classics and history while also managing imperial seals. Later, Emperor Chengzu decreed that all imperial edicts and symbols of authority must be reported by Yang Rong before issuance. In the fourteenth year of Yongle, both Yang Rong and Jin Youzi were promoted to Grand Academicians in the Hanlin Academy but still retained their positions as attendants. They followed the emperor back to the capital. The next year, they accompanied him on another personal campaign.

In the sixteenth year of Yongle (1420), Hu Guang died, and Yang Rong took charge of the Hanlin Academy. Many court ministers envied Yang Rong and tried to distance him by recommending him for the position of Sacrificial Wine Pourer at the National University. Emperor Chengzu refused, and the ministers did not dare to speak further. Two years later, he was promoted to Grand Academician of the Wenyuan Hall while retaining his role as a Hanlin Academician. The following year, he accompanied Emperor Chengzu during the relocation of the capital to Beijing. In the twentieth year of Yongle, Yang Rong again followed on a northern campaign out of the frontier. Upon returning, the troops were rewarded in four categories, with Yang Rong and Jin Youzi receiving top honors.

Soon after, another campaign against Arutai was launched. Someone suggested mobilizing the civilian militia from Jiangxi during the Jianwen era, but Emperor Chengzu consulted Yang Rong, who replied: "Your Majesty has promised to restore peace for twenty years; if we mobilize them again, it will undermine trust." Emperor Chengzu thus abandoned this plan. The following year, they followed out on another campaign. By then, Emperor Chengzu had personally led five campaigns, and the troops were suffering from hunger and cold, with one in ten dying. Upon reaching Dalan Namur River without encountering the enemy, Emperor Chengzu asked his ministers whether to continue advancing. Most ministers agreed, but Yang Rong and Jin Youzi advised returning. Emperor Chengzu consented.

The army retreated to Yumu Brook when Emperor Chengzu passed away. Eunuch Ma Yun and others were at a loss but consulted with Yang Rong and Jin Youzi in the imperial tent. They suggested keeping the emperor's death secret, preparing his body according to ritual, sealing it in tin, and placing it in a carriage. Daily meals continued as usual, and military orders became stricter to maintain secrecy. Yang Rong and Deputy Supervisor Hai Shou then rushed to Nanjing to inform Crown Prince Zhu Gaochi. Upon arrival, Zhu Gaochi ordered them to discuss preparations with Jianyi and Yang Shiqi.

Towards the end of Yongle's reign, there was unrest in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Sichuan. When a report reached Emperor Chengzu at the frontier, he showed it to Yang Rong, who stated: "Commoners are suffering due to officials; they have gathered out of necessity for self-protection. Sending troops will only make them more united and harder to resolve. We should send envoys to pacify them, not launch a military campaign." Emperor Chengzu agreed, and the unrest was eventually quelled. Although Yang Rong could be intense in his arguments and intolerant of others' mistakes, he often used subtle words to guide the emperor's decisions, resolving issues.

Xia Yuanji, Li Shimian, and other officials avoided death or severe punishment thanks to Yang Rong's efforts. The Chief Censor Liu Guan was also spared from border duty due to his influence.

During the Hongxi and Xuande Eras

Upon Emperor Renzong's ascension, Yang Rong was promoted to Grand Master of the Imperial Sacrifices. He then advanced to Assistant Grand Tutor and Grand Academician of the Jingshen Pavilion. Soon after, he was further promoted to Minister of Works, receiving three salaries (from the Imperial Sacrifice Office, Grand Academician, and Minister of Works). At that time, Yang Shiqi and Huang Hai both declined their ministerial salaries. Yang Rong and Jin Youzi also tried to decline but were not allowed.

In the first year of Xuande, soon after Emperor Xuangzong's accession, Prince Zhu Gaoshu of Han rebelled. Emperor Xuangzong summoned Yang Rong to discuss the strategy. Yang Rong suggested that the emperor lead the troops personally, saying: "The enemy thinks you are new and will not come out yourself. By surprising them with your presence, we can achieve victory." Emperor Xuangzong agreed, and upon reaching Luanzhou, Zhu Gaoshu surrendered. After returning, he was rewarded for his strategy, receiving five silver seals.

In the third year of Xuande, Yang Rong followed Emperor Xuangzong on a northern tour to inspect the border. Upon hearing that Wulungha would harass the border, Emperor Xuangzong ordered Yang Rong to accompany him while leaving other officials behind. They led a light cavalry out of Xifeng Pass and defeated the enemy before returning. Two years later, Yang Rong was promoted to Assistant Grand Tutor but resigned his salary as a Grand Academician.

In the ninth year of Xuande, he again followed Emperor Xuangzong to inspect the border, reaching Ximalin before returning.

After Emperor Chengzu conquered Jiaozhi (present-day Vietnam) and established the Jiaozhi Governorate, the region repeatedly rebelled. The Ming army suffered defeats in multiple campaigns. Le Li, a leader of Jiaozhi, sent envoys pretending to request the restoration of the Chen dynasty. Emperor Xuangzong was tired of war and prepared to agree. However, Duke of Britain Zhang Fu, Minister of Revenue Jian Yi, and other ministers argued that granting their request would show weakness. Emperor Xuangzong then consulted with Yang Shiqi and Yang Rong, who both strongly advised: "Your Majesty's concern for the people is not a sign of weakness; the Han dynasty's abandonment of Zhuyu Commandery is praised in history. Please agree to their request." Thus, Emperor Xuandzong ordered the selection of envoys to Jiaozhi. From then on, the Ming abandoned Jiaozhi and ended military campaigns, saving over a billion taels annually.

During the Zhengtong Era

After Emperor Yingzong's ascent, Yang Rong continued to be heavily relied upon. In the third year of Zhengtong, he and Yang Shiqi were both promoted to Grand Tutor. Two years later, he requested leave to visit his ancestors' graves, and Emperor Yingzong sent an eunuch to escort him. He died while traveling to Wulin Post Station and was posthumously honored as Grand Preceptor with the epithet Wenmin. His descendants were granted hereditary positions as Commanders.

Works

Yang Rong served as an elder statesman in four dynasties, known for his strategic thinking and decisive actions. Due to his effective advice and overall management, he enjoyed constant imperial favor. He was the chief editor of the revised Ming Taizu Shilu, Ming Taizong Shilu, >, and Ming Xuangzong Shilu. Additionally, he authored works such as Hou Beizheng Ji (Post-Northern Campaign Record) and the Yang Wenmin Ji (Collected Works of Yang Wenmin).

References

• 楊榮 (Chinese)

生平

建文、永樂年間

建文元年（1399年），楊子榮考中己卯科福建鄉試第一名舉人。次年聯捷庚辰科二甲第三名進士，授翰林院編修。燕王朱棣起兵攻入應天府後，楊子榮迎謁問朱棣：「殿下先謁陵乎，先即位乎？」朱棣聽後促騎馬謁陵，子榮遂得賞識。

明成祖即位後，他直入文淵閣，並改名楊榮。當時內閣一共七人，楊榮年紀最少且警敏。一日，寧夏急報被圍，朱棣急召內閣商議，而當時只有楊榮值班，於是朱棣示其奏報。楊榮則稱：「寧夏城堅固，人人都習武，況且奏摺已經過去十日，現在圍困肯定已解。」到半夜，果然解圍的奏報抵達。明成祖因此大贊楊榮。江西發生盜亂，朝廷派遣使者招撫，之後又派都督韓觀派兵隨後跟上。後招撫的奏報抵達，朱棣欲賞賜韓觀。楊榮則勸阻：「計發奏時，觀尚未至，不得論功。」朱棣日益器重他，之後升至侍講。儲君確立後，晉升為右諭德，仍然兼任翰林院職位，賜二品服。朱棣為人威嚴，與大臣議事未決時或會發怒。而楊榮每次趕到即解決事情。

永樂五年（1408年），楊榮奉命趕往甘肅處理軍務，沿途記錄山川形勢，考察軍隊百姓，並檢查城堡守衛，還奏武英殿。當時正值盛暑，成祖大悅，並親自為楊榮切西瓜。不久，楊榮晉右庶子，仍兼任原職。次年，因父喪歸里，下葬後隨即再起。次年，楊榮因母喪乞歸，成祖以北巡時間急迫而不予批准，並命其與胡廣、金幼孜隨行。甘肅總兵官何福稱脫脫不花等請降，楊榮再赴甘肅，偕同何福受降，並持節即軍中封何福為寧遠侯。之後趕往寧夏，與寧陽侯陳懋規畫邊疆事務，回朝後奏請十事，均得到成祖批准採納。

永樂八年（1411年），楊榮隨成祖北征，抵達臚朐河，解決兵餉問題。次年，乞求回籍奔喪，成祖命中官護行。楊榮返回後，成祖問及福建民情及當年豐歉，楊榮具對。之後，奉旨在文華殿侍奉諸位皇孫讀書。永樂十年，甘肅守臣宋琥進言，蒙古有叛亂恐為邊疆後患。朱棣於是派遣楊榮抵達陝西，與豐城侯李彬探討進兵方略。楊榮回朝後奏報：「冬天並非出兵時候，且有罪的人不過數人，不宜出兵。」朱棣於是接受其言，叛者也投降了。次年，楊榮與胡廣、金幼孜再次跟從成祖北巡。再一年，北征瓦剌，皇太孫朱瞻基隨行。朱棣命楊榮在軍中給朱瞻基講說經史，兼領尚寶事。之後朱棣下令，凡是宣詔出令以及旗志符驗，必須經過楊榮奏報才得以發送。永樂十四年，其與金幼孜俱進翰林學士，仍兼庶子，跟從返回京師。明年，再次跟隨朱棣親征。

永樂十六年（1419年），胡廣去世，楊榮掌管翰林院事，朝中大臣多有嫉妒楊榮，並欲疏遠，共同舉薦其擔任國子監祭酒。朱棣則表示不可，諸位大臣不再敢言。兩年後，他晉升為文淵閣大學士，仍然兼任翰林學士。次年，跟隨朱棣遷都北京。永樂二十年，再次跟隨北征出塞，還師後，朱棣勞賞將士，分四等賜宴，楊榮、金幼孜列前席、受上賞。不久，再次征討阿魯台，有人請調用建文時江西所集民兵，朱棣諮詢楊榮，他對答到：「陛下許諾百姓復業剛二十年，一旦再徵用，恐怕難以示信于天下。」朱棣遂打消此法。次年，跟隨出塞，軍務均委託楊榮，朱棣稱其為「楊學士」而不直呼其名。又過一年，楊榮再次跟隨北征，當時朱棣已經五次親征，士兵飢凍，饋運不繼，死者十有二三。明軍抵達答蘭納木兒河，仍然不見敵軍。朱棣問群臣是否繼續前進，大臣紛紛唯唯諾諾，只有楊榮、金幼孜進言班師回朝。朱棣遂同意。

部隊撤退到榆木川，朱棣駕崩。中官馬雲等人不知所措，只能與楊榮、金幼孜進入御幄商議。兩人則稱，部隊現在在外，離京師尚遠，應該秘不發喪。以禮入斂、熔錫為椑，載置於輿中。而每日的進膳則如常，但日益嚴厲軍令，使人無法預測。此外楊榮與少監海壽率先馳入南京告訴太子朱高熾訃告。抵達後，朱高熾命其與蹇義、楊士奇急議籌備事項。

另在永樂末期，江浙四川有賊亂，臣議發兵平定。當時朱棣在塞外，奏摺抵達後朱棣拿給楊榮看。他表示：「愚民因官員而受苦，不得已相聚自保。如果派兵，只會使其更團結而不宜解決問題。應當派使招撫，不應當再發兵。」朱棣聽從，之後果然平定盜患。楊榮雖然論事激烈，不能容忍他人過錯。但遇到他人觸怒明成祖，其往往能夠以微言導帝意，使問題得以解決。夏原吉、李時勉等人得以不死，都御史劉觀得以免除戍邊，都仰賴于楊榮之力。

洪熙、宣德年間

明仁宗即位後，楊榮晉升為太常卿。之後再進太子少傅、謹身殿大學士。不久，再晉升工部尚書，食三份俸祿（太常寺、大學士、工部）。當時楊士奇、黃淮均辭去尚書的俸祿。楊榮、金幼孜亦固辭，不被批准。

宣德元年，明宣宗即位不久，漢王朱高煦即起兵謀反。宣宗召見楊榮商討對策，楊榮率先請宣宗帥部親征，稱：「對方認為陛下剛立，肯定不會自己出行。現在我們出其不意，以天威降臨，事無不成。」宣宗於是同意此法，抵達樂安後，朱高煦投降。部隊還師後，以決策論功，楊榮受上賞，賜五枚銀章。宣德三年，跟從宣宗北巡邊界，抵達遵化時，聽聞兀良哈將騷擾邊界，宣宗於是留下隨從文臣，獨命楊榮跟從。於是率輕騎出擊喜峰口，破敵而還。兩年後，晉升楊榮為太子少傅，楊榮因此辭去大學士俸祿。宣德九年，再次跟隨宣宗北巡邊界，抵達洗馬林後班師。

自明成祖攻佔交阯（現越南）並設置交阯布政使司後，該地區屢次叛變。明朝屢次發兵征討均戰敗。交阯黎利派人偽請立陳氏後人。宣宗也厭惡兵戰，預備答應其請求。英國公張輔、戶部尚書蹇義等大臣以下數人都稱，賜其無名，反而只會示弱于天下。宣宗於是召見楊士奇、楊榮商議，兩人力言稱：「陛下體恤百姓，不是無名之舉；漢朝放棄珠崖郡，史書都以此為美談，不是示弱。請許其方便。」於是宣宗下令命選擇使者出使交阯。從此，明朝放棄交阯並罷兵，每年省出軍費上億兩。

正統年間

明英宗即位後，明廷仍然倚重楊榮如故。正統三年，其與楊士奇共進少師。兩年後，乞求歸展墓，英宗命中官護送。在抵達武林驛時去世。贈太師，諡文敏，世代襲都指揮使。

著作

楊榮為四朝元老，能謀善斷。因進諫有方、處事大體，所以恩寵能夠始終不變。其擔任《明太祖實錄》的重修以及《明太宗實錄》、《明仁宗實錄》、《明宣宗實錄》的總裁官。此外，其還著有《後北征記》、《楊文敏集》等。

參考資料

• 楊榮 (維基百科)