英文摘要
|
This article investigated the behavior of Duke Ling of Jin, Duke Ling of Chen, Duke Ling of Zheng, Duke Ling of Qi, Duke Ling of Zhou, Duke Ling of Chu, Duke Ling of Tsai, Duke Ling of Wei, and King Cheng of Chu, discussing the reasons why the above mentioned were conferred the posthumous title ”Ling.” Analysis of pertinent literature indicates they shared some similarities, such as dying of some unknown reasons, unwilling to accept people's remonstration, investiture of the Crown Prince without careful consideration, and usurpation of the throne. In fact, ”Ling” as a posthumous title carried no derogatory meanings in the beginning. It simply reflected what the king had done before he died, as exemplified by the cases of Duke Ling of Zhou and Duke Ling of Zheng. However, because of the negative similarities shared by the above mentioned kings conferred the posthumous title ”Ling,” it has gradually become a derogatory posthumous title from then on.
|