The Rise of a Controversial Scholar in Turbulent Times

The story of Shusun Tong, a Confucian scholar who served both the Qin and Han dynasties, offers a fascinating case study in political survival during one of China’s most volatile historical periods. Born as a boshi (erudite scholar) under the Qin dynasty, Shusun’s career unfolded against the backdrop of collapsing empires and rising warlords. His actions—often criticized as opportunistic—reveal the impossible choices intellectuals faced when caught between autocratic rulers and revolutionary upheaval.

When Chen Sheng’s rebellion erupted in 209 BCE, marking the beginning of widespread revolts against Qin rule, Emperor Qin Ershi summoned his scholars for counsel. Most advisors bluntly warned of rebellion, provoking the emperor’s wrath. Shusun Tong alone offered reassuring words: “The world is united as one family… How could there be rebels? These are just petty thieves.” This calculated flattery earned him rich rewards while colleagues faced punishment—a moment later critics would brand as shameless sycophancy.

The Art of Adaptation: From Qin Loyalist to Han Strategist

Following the Qin collapse, Shusun demonstrated remarkable political agility. He successively served:
– Xiang Liang of the Chu resistance
– King Huai of Chu
– Xiang Yu after the king’s overthrow
– Liu Bang (future Emperor Gaozu of Han) after Han forces took Pengcheng

Each transition saw Shusun modifying his behavior to suit new masters. Most notably, when Liu Bang—a rough-hewn former peasant—expressed disdain for Confucian robes, Shusun immediately adopted the short jackets favored by Chu soldiers. This sartorial flexibility symbolized his broader philosophy: survival required understanding and adapting to power structures rather than clinging to ideals.

Between Pragmatism and Principle: The Scholar’s Dilemma

Shusun’s most controversial decisions involved prioritizing practical needs over Confucian ideals:
1. Military Over Merit: He recommended warriors over scholars to Liu Bang, arguing “Can scholars fight battles?”
2. Ritual Reformation: After Han’s establishment, he recruited Confucians from Lu to design court ceremonies that transformed rowdy warlord gatherings into disciplined imperial audiences, making Liu Bang remark, “Now I understand the emperor’s dignity!”

These actions earned him accusations of “flattering Confucianism” (yu ru), yet they also achieved what moral purists couldn’t—giving Confucianism practical political value during its most vulnerable period.

The Steel Beneath the Smile: Defying Emperor Gaozu

Shusun’s defining moment came when Liu Bang considered replacing Crown Prince Ying (later Emperor Hui) with a favored concubine’s son. The scholar risked execution with an impassioned protest:
– Cited historical disasters from succession disputes (Jin Kingdom’s collapse, Qin’s fall)
– Invoked Empress Lü’s decades of partnership
– Demanded, “If you insist, execute me first!”

This unyielding stance—completely at odds with his earlier flexibility—forced Liu Bang to abandon the plan. It revealed Shusun’s long game: temporary compromises to preserve Confucianism’s future influence.

Reassessing a Maligned Strategist

Modern reevaluations suggest Shusun Tong’s legacy deserves nuance:

Accomplishments
– Saved Confucian scholars from Qin persecution
– Established rituals that stabilized Han governance
– Protected rightful succession against imperial whims

Criticisms
– Collaborated with oppressive regimes
– Prioritized survival over moral purity
– Created precedents for intellectual subservience

His life poses enduring questions: Can compromising with power serve higher ideals? When does adaptability become complicity? In an era where philosophers like Confucius and Mencius had failed to implement their visions, Shusun demonstrated how ideals might survive through tactical retreats—a lesson with resonances from Machiavelli to modern political theory.

The ultimate pragmatist, Shusun Tong’s name itself seems prophetic: Shu (uncle/elder) requires first being Sun (grandchild/subordinate); true Tong (understanding) means knowing when to be which. His story remains a masterclass in navigating the space between principle and survival.