Abstract:

Over the past 50 years, the “microhistory” approach emerged globally has brought a lively and amiable atmosphere to historical studies. However, scholars who study the history of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, due to their different focuses, have rarely employed this method. By combing oracle bone inscriptions, bronze inscriptions and historical records, the life trajectory of the official called as Zhai during the late Shang Dynasty and the early Zhou Dynasty can be reconstructed as a case: Zhai was promoted from the position of “Gushi” to “Zuoce” during the reign of King Xin in the late Shang Dynasty; at the time of the transition from Shang to Zhou, he did not die for the Shang but chose to defect to the Zhou; in the early years of King Cheng of Zhou, his position was demoted to the position of “Xiaochen”, but later, due to his loyalty to the royal court, he regained the trust of the king and was reappointed as “Zuoce” in the later years of King Cheng. The “microhistory” approach can make up for the shortcomings of “having objects but no humans”, and the lack of vividness and interest in the history studies of Shang and Zhou, and effectively enhance the narrative quality, intimacy and humanistic care. It is a research approach worthy of attention and application.

Key words: microhistory, history of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, Zhai, Zuoce, Xiaochen, individual life course