Ding Wei (Song dynasty)

Ding Wei (丁謂, 966 – 1037), courtesy name Gongyan (公言), posthumously known as Duke Wenzheng of Jin (晉文正公), was a prominent official and politician of the Northern Song dynasty in China. He is primarily remembered for his role in engineering the Yellow River's course and his later fall from grace due to political infighting.

Ding Wei rose through the civil service examinations and gained recognition for his expertise in water management. He was instrumental in directing the Yellow River to flow northwards, a major undertaking that involved significant resources and manpower. This project was crucial for mitigating flooding in the surrounding areas, although it also had long-term consequences.

However, Ding Wei's career was marked by political maneuvering and corruption. He became entangled in court intrigues, particularly involving Empress Dowager Liu E and her advisor, Grand Councilor Lü Yijian. Accusations of bribery and abuse of power eventually led to his downfall.

In 1028, Ding Wei was impeached and exiled. He was later pardoned and allowed to return to court, but he never fully recovered his former influence. Despite his later disgrace, Ding Wei's contributions to water management and his role in the early Song court remain historically significant. He is often viewed as a complex figure, both admired for his abilities and criticized for his ethical shortcomings.

His collected works were titled Ding Wei's Collected Works (丁謂集).