Chinese Idiom: 五日京兆 (Wu Ri Jing Zhao)
English Translation: Five Days as the Governor of Jingzhao
pīn yīn: wǔ rì jīng zhào
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to a situation where someone is in a position of authority or office for a very brief period, often implying that their tenure is fleeting or temporary.
Historical Source: Book of Han: Biography of Zhang Chang (《汉书·张敞传》).
Idiom Story
Zhang Chang, from Pingyang (present-day Linfen, Shanxi), served as the governor of Jingzhao (the administrative office managing the capital, Chang’an) for nine years during the Western Han Dynasty. His tenure was marked by diligent administration and careful handling of affairs, considering the sensitive nature of his role which involved dealing with powerful figures and potentially antagonizing influential individuals.
Despite Zhang Chang’s cautious approach, he faced accusations and hostility from some of the emperor’s relatives and high-ranking officials. A notable incident involved the case of Yang Xun, the grandson of historian Sima Qian. Yang Xun, who had been demoted and executed due to accusations of treason, had supporters who demanded Zhang Chang’s removal as well.
During this period, Zhang Chang managed an investigation into theft, assigning it to a local officer named Xu Shun. Xu Shun, aware of Zhang Chang’s precarious situation, decided to neglect his duties, believing Zhang Chang was on the verge of being dismissed. Xu Shun remarked, “I have done much for Zhang Chang, but he will only be Jingzhao governor for another five days. How can he still command me?”
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chang, enraged by Xu Shun’s insubordination, executed him for dereliction of duty. This overreaction led to complaints of excessive punishment, resulting in Zhang Chang’s removal from office by Emperor Xuan of Han.
After Zhang Chang’s departure, disorder in the capital and the surrounding regions escalated. Recognizing Zhang Chang’s capabilities, Emperor Xuan later appointed him as the governor of Jizhou. Zhang Chang effectively restored order there, demonstrating his administrative skills.
The idiom “五日京兆” (five days as the governor of Jingzhao) evolved from this story, symbolizing a very brief and often precarious period in office or authority, underscoring the transient nature of some positions of power.
