Zheng Zhong (traditional Chinese: 鄭眾; simplified Chinese: 郑众; pinyin: Zhèng Zhòng), courtesy name Jichan (季產) or Jiping (季平)[1] (died 114), was the first Han dynasty eunuch with real power in government, thanks to the trust that Emperor He had in him for his contributions in overthrowing the clan of Empress Dowager Dou, particularly her autocratic brother Dou Xian.
In 92, Emperor He, apparently dissatisfied with his suppression by the Dou clan, plotted a coup d'état with his brother Liu Qing the Prince of Qinghe, and Zheng.
They were successful in carrying out the overthrow of the Dous, and as a reward, Emperor He promoted Zheng to the post of the Empress' palace's head of household with the title Grand Prolonger of Autumn (大長秋).
In 102, breaking past precedent, Emperor He created Zheng the Marquess of Chaoxiang[citation needed], receiving a revenue from 1,500 households.
[1] He died in 114,[2] and his adopted son Zheng Hong (鄭閎) inherited his marquisate,[3] which set another new precedent for the titles of court eunuchs.