Born in Wujin District, Nanzhili Province. At first, he was educated at home. Then he began preparing for state exams. At this time, he became interested in mathematics, especially the works of Islamic algebraists.
In 1529, he successfully passed the capital's huishi exam and received the degree of gongsheng. He was offered a position at the Hanlin Imperial Academy, but Tang chose to serve in the military department. Later, he received the position of Right Censor-in-Chief (右僉都御史). In 1533 he became a member of Huanling, where he organized archival records. However, due to illness, he left public service for some time.
After recovery, he returned to the imperial court. Then he received the post of Governor of Fengyang County (in modern Anhui Province) to strengthen the fight against pirates. During this service, Tang Shunzhi died in Tongzhou, having previously obtained success in destruction of the pirates. Posthumously, he was given the name Xiangwen.
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