Gongye Chang

Gongye Chang (519BC-470BC), with courtesy name of Zichang, was born in state of Qi in the Spring and Autumn Period. He was also said to be born in state of Lu. Born in a poor family, he was diligent and thrifty. He studied hard and became well-informed with ancient books and classics. He devoted all his life to learning rather than bureaucracy. One of the 72 students of Confucius, ranked 20th, he was greatly appreciated by Confucius for his learning and virtue. It was said that he could understand the language of birds, for that he was put into jail. Confucius expressed his dissatisfaction with the injustice and explained that Gongye Chang was not guilty. Confucius`s daughter married Gongye Chang later and gave birth to two sons. Zi Li, one of the sons, died early, and the other is called Zi Geng. The king of the state of Lu invited him to be an official, but was declined. Like Confucius, he devoted his life to education and became a scholar. The tomb of Gongye Chang is located in today`s Mazhuang, Zhucheng. Gongye Chang Academy is in today`s Dingshang, Anqiu.