The Turbulent World of the Five Dynasties

The 10th century in China was a period of extraordinary political chaos known as the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907-979). As the once-mighty Tang Dynasty collapsed, warlords carved the empire into competing states, with regimes rising and falling with startling rapidity. In this unstable environment, one official achieved what seemed impossible – maintaining high office through five successive dynasties. Feng Dao (882-954), a statesman from Jingcheng (modern Cangzhou, Hebei), became legendary for his political longevity, serving under eight family names across eleven emperors while holding positions ranging from Chancellor to Grand Tutor.

Early Career: Navigating Warlord Politics

Feng Dao’s political career began during the twilight years of the Tang Dynasty when he served as a military advisor under Liu Shouguang, the warlord controlling Youzhou. When Liu fell from power in 913, Feng demonstrated his first survival skill by transferring his allegiance to Li Keyong, the powerful Jiedushi (military governor) of Hedong. This early career move established a pattern that would define his life – pragmatic service to whoever held power.

His administrative talents earned him promotion to Chief Secretary under Li Keyong’s successor Li Cunxu, who would establish the Later Tang Dynasty in 923. When Li Cunxu (Emperor Zhuangzong) took the throne, Feng Dao was appointed Hanlin Academician, marking his entry into the highest echelons of government.

The Art of Political Survival

Feng Dao’s most remarkable achievement was maintaining his position through successive regime changes. When the Later Tang Emperor Mingzong died in 933 and was succeeded by Emperor Mindi, Feng remained Chancellor. The following year, when Li Congke rebelled and seized power as Emperor Modi, Feng Dao led the百官 (hundred officials) in welcoming the new ruler – and kept his position.

This pattern continued when the Later Jin overthrew the Later Tang in 936. Feng not only retained office but became Prime Minister under the controversial Emperor Shi Jingtang, who famously ceded territory to the Khitan-led Liao Dynasty. Feng’s willingness to serve under such circumstances earned him criticism from later historians, though he maintained that his service preserved stability.

Cultural Contributions Amidst Chaos

While often criticized for political opportunism, Feng Dao made significant cultural contributions during this unstable period. Recognizing the importance of preserving classical knowledge, he initiated the printing of the Nine Classics at the Imperial Academy in 932 during the Later Tang. This project, completed under the Later Zhou, became known as the Five Dynasties Official Edition and marked the beginning of large-scale government printing in China.

Feng also demonstrated concern for common people unusual among officials of his time. Historical records describe him reading the peasant-themed poetry of Nie Yizhong to Emperor Mingzong to highlight rural suffering. His governance style avoided the corruption common in the period, focusing instead on administrative competence.

The “Longle Lao” Philosophy

In his later years, Feng Dao styled himself “Longle Lao” (Old Man of Lasting Happiness) and wrote an autobiography detailing his career under successive regimes. While acknowledging his failure to help “unify the realm” as his greatest regret, his writings reveal a philosophy of serving the state rather than any particular dynasty – a perspective shaped by the chaotic times.

This philosophy faced its greatest test in 954 when the Later Zhou Emperor Shizong prepared to campaign against the Northern Han. Feng, then in his seventies, strongly opposed the expedition, arguing against military adventure. The emperor proceeded anyway, marking one of Feng’s rare political defeats shortly before his death.

Legacy and Historical Evaluation

Feng Dao remains one of Chinese history’s most controversial figures. Traditional Confucian historians condemned his willingness to serve successive regimes as lacking loyalty, a cardinal virtue. The Song Dynasty historian Ouyang Xiu particularly criticized Feng in his Historical Records of the Five Dynasties, establishing a largely negative traditional view.

Modern assessments are more nuanced. Some scholars argue Feng maintained cultural continuity and effective governance during turbulent times. His printing projects preserved Chinese classics when they might have been lost, while his administrative competence provided stability. Others suggest his career reflects the impossible choices faced by officials during periods of fragmentation.

Feng Dao’s life offers a window into the challenges of governance during China’s disunity periods. His story raises enduring questions about political morality, the nature of loyalty, and how officials should navigate regime changes – issues that remain relevant in any era of political transition. The “Longle Lao” ultimately represents both the possibilities and compromises inherent in political survival during times of upheaval.