Sun Zhongshou (simplified: 孙仲寿, traditional: 孫仲壽, pinyin: Sūn Zhòngshòu, jyutping: syun1 zung3 sau6) was a core member of Shanzong (山宗 — Shānzōng), a secret organisation formed by Yuan Chonghuan’s (袁崇焕) former subordinates who rescued and raised Yuan Chengzhi (袁承志) in Sword Stained with Royal Blood.
Biography
Sun Zhongshou was one of Yuan Chonghuan’s former subordinates who remained loyal to the general after his wrongful execution by the Chongzhen Emperor in 1630. Following Yuan Chonghuan’s death, Sun Zhongshou became a core member of Shanzong, a secret organisation dedicated to avenging Yuan Chonghuan’s death and protecting his son.
As a core member of Shanzong, Sun Zhongshou played an important role in the organisation’s activities. He participated in rescuing the seven-year-old Yuan Chengzhi after his father’s execution, and along with other Shanzong members, took the young boy under their care and began teaching him to read, write, and establish a foundation in martial arts, all with the goal of preparing him to avenge his father.
Activities with Shanzong
Sun Zhongshou was involved in organising ceremonies to honour Yuan Chonghuan’s memory. In 1630, he participated in organising a ceremony at Shengfeng Zhang (圣峰嶂 — Shèngfēng Zhàng) to commemorate Yuan Chonghuan, during which the Shanzong members encountered a surprise attack by Qing forces. Sun Zhongshou and the others successfully commanded the group’s escape and defence.
Sun Zhongshou was also involved in forming alliances with rebel forces. In 1638, he participated in negotiations with Liu Fangliang (刘芳亮 — Liú Fāngliàng), a general under Li Zicheng (李自成), to establish an anti-Qing alliance. During these negotiations, Sun Zhongshou met Cui Qiushan (崔秋山), who became a member of Shanzong.
Political stance
Sun Zhongshou maintained a strong political stance, insisting on the “anti-Qing, restore Ming” (反清复明 — fǎnqīng fùmíng) principle. He opposed the use of the name “Shanzong Camp” (山宗营 — Shānzōng Yíng), demonstrating his commitment to preserving the organisation’s identity and principles.
Sun Zhongshou believed that Cui Qiushan had exceptional martial arts skills and advocated that Yuan Chengzhi should learn from various masters to broaden his knowledge. This demonstrated his wisdom in recognising talent and his commitment to ensuring Yuan Chengzhi’s comprehensive training.
Later activities
In 1643, Sun Zhongshou was arrested by Ma Shiying (马士英 — Mǎ Shìyīng), the governor of Fengyang (凤阳总督 — Fèngyáng Zǒngdū), and was imprisoned in a transport convoy. He was later rescued by Yuan Chengzhi, demonstrating the mutual support and loyalty between Sun Zhongshou and Yuan Chengzhi.
In 1646, Sun Zhongshou presided over a heroes’ assembly at Mount Tai (泰山 — Tàishān), where he helped organise bandits from Shandong and surrendered government soldiers to form an anti-Qing alliance. This demonstrated his leadership abilities and his commitment to the cause of opposing the Qing dynasty.
Relationships
Allies
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Yuan Chonghuan — Sun Zhongshou’s former commander, whom he remained loyal to after the general’s wrongful execution. Sun Zhongshou served as a firm executor of Yuan Chonghuan’s political ideals.
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Yuan Chengzhi — The son of Yuan Chonghuan, whom Sun Zhongshou and other Shanzong members rescued and raised. Sun Zhongshou served as both guardian and political mentor to Yuan Chengzhi, playing a leading role in his early education.
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Cui Qiushan — A member of Shanzong whom Sun Zhongshou met during negotiations with Li Zicheng’s forces. Sun Zhongshou recognised Cui Qiushan’s exceptional martial arts skills and worked with him on martial arts instruction for Yuan Chengzhi.
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Other Shanzong members — Sun Zhongshou worked alongside other members of Shanzong, including Ying Song, Luo Daqian, Zhu Anguo, and Tian Jianxiu.
Legacy
Sun Zhongshou’s character represented the loyalty and dedication of Yuan Chonghuan’s former subordinates, who continued to serve their commander’s memory by protecting and raising his son. His role as a core member of Shanzong and his commitment to the “anti-Qing, restore Ming” principle demonstrated his strong political convictions and his dedication to honouring Yuan Chonghuan’s legacy.
His leadership in organising ceremonies, forming alliances, and presiding over assemblies demonstrated his abilities as an organiser and leader within the Shanzong organisation. His recognition of talent, such as Cui Qiushan’s martial arts skills, and his advocacy for comprehensive training for Yuan Chengzhi showed his wisdom and foresight.
Sun Zhongshou’s story exemplified the complex political landscape of the late Ming dynasty, where loyal followers of wrongfully executed officials continued to work for justice and honour, even at great personal risk.