Sima Xiangru (c. 179–118 BCE) was a renowned fu (rhapsody) writer of the Western Han dynasty. His courtesy name was Changqing, and he was from Chengdu, Shu Commandery (in present-day Sichuan). From a young age, he loved reading and swordsmanship. During the reign of Emperor Jing, he served as a Gentleman of the Mounted Guard but was later dismissed from office. He then traveled with literary figures such as Zou Yang and Mei Cheng and became a retainer of Prince Xiao of Liang, for whom he composed the Zixu Fu (“Rhapsody on Sir Vacuous”).
Several years later, after the prince’s death, Sima returned to his hometown in Shu. While passing through Linqiong, he used the qin melody “Feng Qiu Huang” (“The Phoenix Seeks Its Mate”) to woo Zhuo Wenjun, the widowed daughter of the wealthy local merchant Zhuo Wangsun. The two eloped and returned together to Chengdu. Living in poverty, they later went back to Linqiong and supported themselves by running a wine shop. Ashamed by the scandal, Zhuo Wangsun eventually relented and gave them a large number of servants and substantial wealth. The couple then returned to Chengdu, bought land and property, and became affluent.
It is said that Emperor Wu of Han (Liu Che), upon reading Sima Xiangru’s Zixu Fu, was deeply impressed and lamented that its author must be long dead, regretting he could not meet him. Yang Deyi, a “Dog Supervisor” (an official in charge of the emperor’s hunting dogs) who happened to be from Shu, overheard this and told the emperor, “This rhapsody was written by my fellow townsman Sima Xiangru.” Delighted, Emperor Wu immediately summoned Sima to the capital.
Sima explained to the emperor: “TheZixu Fu only describes the hunting excursions of feudal lords – it is insignificant. Allow me to compose a new rhapsody on the Son of Heaven’s grand hunt.” He then presented the Shanglin Fu (“Rhapsody on the Imperial Park”), which greatly pleased the emperor, who appointed him as a Court Gentleman (Lang). Later, Sima served as a Palace Attendant and was dispatched as an envoy to Shu, where he wrote Nan Shu Fu Lao (“Admonishing the Elders of Shu”). In his later years, he retired due to diabetes and died at home.
Sima Xiangru’s rhapsodies are characterized by extravagant description, vividly portraying the splendor of imperial gardens and the grandeur of royal hunts. His language is ornate and magnificent, his rhythm dynamic and sweeping, and his works often conclude with subtle moral admonitions. He is considered the quintessential representative of the grand Han fu tradition. His major works include Zixu Fu,Shanglin Fu, Changmen Fu (“Rhapsody on the Long Gate Palace”), and Daren Fu (“Rhapsody on the Great Man”).
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