Yuwen Jie

Who is Yuwen Jie?

Yuwen Jie, courtesy name Dali, was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Gaozong.

Yuwen Jie's grandfather Yuwen Bi was a major general during Northern Zhou and Sui Dynasty. Not much is known about Yuwen Jie's own early career. At one point during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang, he served as a secretary general of the executive bureau of government. He was said to be well-studied in laws and capable in his duties. One time, Emperor Taizong's cousin, the well-known general Li Daozong, had made a private request of him and Yuwen Jie, rather than acquiescing, reported it to Emperor Taizong, who rewarded him with silk.

Emperor Taizong died in 649 and was succeeded by his son Emperor Gaozong. As of 651, Yuwen Jie was Huangmen Shilang, the deputy head of the examination bureau of government, when Emperor Gaozong gave him the designation Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin, making him a chancellor de facto. In 652, he became Shizhong, the head of the examination bureau and post considered one for a chancellor.

In winter 652, a plot centering Emperor Gaozong's sister Princess Gaoyang and her husband Fang Yi'ai -- in which they, along with another brother-in-law of Emperor Gaozong's, Chai Lingwu, the general Xue Wanche, and Emperor Gaozong's brother Li Ke, were accused of plotting to overthrow Emperor Gaozong and replacing him with his uncle Li Yuanjing the Prince of Jing—was discovered. Yuwen Jie was friendly with Fang and tried to assist him, but eventually, all of the major alleged coconspirators were either executed or forced to commit suicide. On account of Yuwen's attempt to help Fang, Yuwen was exiled to Gui Prefecture, where he died in exile. His grandson Yuwen Rong eventually served as a chancellor under Emperor Xuanzong.