Complete Collection of Song Dynasty Literature

Author: (Qing) Yan Kejun (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1999-10-01
Features: Excerpt: He Chengtian (I) He Chengtian was from Tai in the East Sea, the sister of Xu Guang. In the late Long'an period, he was recruited as a military aide by Huan Wei, the Military Commissioner of the Southern Barbarians, but soon resigned. After the establishment of the righteous banner, he was appointed as a military aide to Tao Yanshou, the Prince of Changsha, and later became the magistrate of Liuyang. He soon returned to the capital. When Liu Yi, the Military Governor, stationed in Gusu, he was appointed as a military aide and later became the magistrate of Wanling. Zhao was appointed as the Military Commissioner of Xinyang and later served as a military aide to the Prince of Xinglu. He was then transferred to the position of Military Aide of the Western Zhonglang Army and later became the magistrate of Qiantang.
When the Southern Song court was established, he was summoned as a clerk in the Ministry of Rites and later became the Assistant Censor of the Southern He. In the late Yongchu period, he was appointed as the Assistant Censor of the Ministry of Justice. When Xie Hui governed Jiangling, he invited He Chengtian to serve as the Chief Historian of the Southern Barbarians. He later became the Military Aide of the Guards and the Chief Secretary, overseeing the office. After Xie Hui was executed, he temporarily managed the affairs of the Southern Barbarians and later became the Assistant Recorder of the Right Army of Dao Yan. He then joined the Ministry of Personnel as a clerk and the Left Vice Minister, concurrently serving as a professor at the Imperial University. He was later promoted to the position of Censor-in-Chief but was stripped of his official status due to an incident and continued to hold his position. In the 24th year of the Yuangang era, he was dismissed from office for leaking confidential orders and died at the age of 78. He left behind 300 volumes of "Discourse on Rites" and 32 volumes of collected works.
The "Ode to the Quince" praises the beautiful trees on the middle islet, admiring their elegant and graceful forms. With their spiritual roots, they flourish under the morning sun, radiating brilliance. The lush branches spread out, covered with emerald leaves and vibrant blossoms. Among the forest, this tree stands out, surpassing all others in its magnificence. It blooms in the morning and bears abundant fruit, shining brighter than the sand apple.
When the grand hall is being built, it pities the small branches for their weakness. It would not hide its talent for the sake of safety but would present it to the world. It would not seek peace by separating from the crowd but would uphold its principles and inspire others. It hopes that the noblewoman will throw her lot in with him, seeking to share her affection. Looking back at the treasures of the "Odes of the Guards," though adorned with jade, they were not repaid. (From "Collected Works of Art and Literature," Volume 87, and "Comprehensive Mirror to the Matters of the Court," Volume 973)