A Chinese Biographical Dictionary/Chia I
321 Chia I 賈誼. 2nd cent. B.C. A native of Lo-yang, whose precocious talents were brought to the notice of the Emperor Wên Ti of the Han dynasty, the result being that he was made a Doctor in the Imperial Academy. He was so young, however, that the other Doctors would not consult with him; and upon this being laid by him before the Emperor, he was at once transferred to the Privy Council. His first business was to suggest that, the empire being at peace, due attention should be paid to Music and Ceremonial. He was unable to carry his point; but introduced such important and valuable changes into the administration that the Emperor proposed to make him a Prince. His enemies at once set to work to destroy him. He was exiled, and became tutor to the Prince of Liang, who proved such a kind master that when he was thrown from his horse and killed, Chia I grieved so bitterly that he died within the year. Author of the 新書, a collection of essays on Confucianism, and also of some poetry.