Youth and Officialdom
Sang Hongyang was born in Luoyang, one of the Han Dynasty's major commercial centres, to a family of merchants. In youth he was known for his mathematical prowess, and when Emperor Wu ascended to the throne in 141 BC Sang came to his notice and was eventually invited to become an Attendant (侍中) - one of the means by which the Emperor kept talent in the palace, and by which many important officials began their careers. Sang would remain an Attendant for 26 years.
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Famous quotes containing the word youth:
“It seemed monstrous to our intolerant youth that “poor white folksy” men should have an equal right with gentlemen, born and bred, in deciding who should represent the county in the Legislature and the district in Congress.”
—Marion Harland (1830–1922)