Zhang Lin

The apical ancestor of the Zhangs migrated from Fengyang prefecture in Anhui to Hebei in 1371, settling first at Hejian and then Linyu. Early in the reign of the Shunzhi Emperor, Zhang Xiyin began the family’s long social climb. He was a resourceful farmer who brought peace to the community by cooperating with the Manchu garrison. Such skills made him a valued adviser to officials in Beijing. In 1661 he became the operator of the monopolies of Jizhou, Zunhua, Fengrun, Yutian, Sanhe, Xianghe, Baodi, and Pinggu in the Changlu Division. Two years later, he passed away leaving a seven year old son, Zhang Lina, and a brother, Zhang Xishi, who continued the salt operation.

Under Zhang Lin, a resourceful and capable stipend student according to a local gazetteer, the household continued its upwardly mobile journey. He entrusted the business to a manager and embarked upon a bureaucratic career as a secretary with the Board of Public Works. His years in the capital were notable not only for the steady promotions he received but also for his association with some of the realm’s leading literati. His residence in Beijing, referred to variously as the “single-acre abode” (Yimuju) or “single-acre mound and pound” (Yimu shanchi), was the site of many garden parties attended by literary luminaries. By 1693, Zhang was a senior secretary at the Board of War. A string of provincial appointments followed. Despite a demotion in 1700 for mishandling famine relief in Shaanxi and negligence in supervising his subordinated in Anhui, he was appointed financial commissioner of Yunnan.

Zhang Lin’s dual career as an official and a salt merchant, however, finally caught up with him. In 1700, Mu Shen of the Office of Scrutiny impeached Zhang on the grounds of unfavorable public opinion; his sideline business as a salt merchant was unbecoming for an official. Details of the charges do not survive, but apparently they were enough for the Board of Personnel to recommend his dismissal. Zhang retired to Tianjin as a salt merchant and a generous host. His many villas scattered about the city became renowned for their well-attended garden parties as well as their art and antique collections.