Han Yu (768–824 CE) was a towering literary figure, philosopher, and statesman of the Tang dynasty. His courtesy name was Tui Zhi, and though born in Heyang (modern Mengzhou, Henan), he traced his ancestral roots to Changli, for which he is commonly known as “Han of Changli”.
Brief: This article focuses on Han Yu and Liu Zongyuan, leaders of the Tang Dynasty’s Ancient Prose Movement. It covers their literary reform against flowery parallel prose, their close friendship, and their moral integrity. It also tells Han Yu’s bold protest against Buddhism that led to exile, Liu Zongyuan’s achievements in exile, and how…
Brief: This article tells the short-lived Yongzhen Reform under the mute Emperor Shunzong of Tang. After Emperor Dezong empowered corrupt eunuchs, the paralyzed Shunzong and his ministers launched bold reforms to end exploitation. However, eunuchs and warlords staged a coup, forcing abdication. The reform collapsed, exiling its leaders, yet it paved the way for…
Liu Yuxi (772–842 CE) was a prominent literatus and poet of the Tang dynasty. His courtesy name was Mengde, and he was a native of Luoyang (in present-day Henan Province).
Liu Zongyuan (773–819 CE) was a distinguished literary figure, philosopher, and political reformer of the Tang dynasty. His courtesy name was Zihou, and he was a native of Jiezhou, Hedong (modern-day Yuncheng, Shanxi), for which he was commonly known as “Liu of Hedong” (Liu Hedong).
West from the small hill for one hundred and twenty steps, beyond the bamboo grove, I heard the sound of water, like the tinkling of jade pendants, which gladdened my heart. I cut through the bamboo to make a path, and descending, I saw a small pond, the water exceptionally clear and cold. The…
— Liu Zongyuan Tired of officialdom for long, I’m glad to be banished southwest. At leisure I hear farmer’s song; Haply I look like hillside guest. At dawn I cut grass wet with dew; My boat comes o’er pebbles at night. To and fro there’s no man in view; I chant till southern sky…
— Liu Zongyuan Over the islets disperse clouds of last night, The rising sun makes poolside village bright. A tall tree overlooks the water clear; Raindrops fall, startled by the wind severe. Unoccupied, my mind is just carefree; By chance the tree plays host to welcome me.