Qing Dynasty Four Gentlemen

Author: Gao Yang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: The son of the Governor of Hubei, Tan Sitong; the son of the Governor of Hunan, Chen Lisan; the son of the Governor of Fujian, Ding Huikang; the son of the Commander of the Guangdong Navy, Wu Baochu. Under the author's meticulous portrayal, the charming and literary talents of the "Four Gentlemen of the Late Qing" are vividly brought to life. During the Tongzhi and Guangxu eras, many young masters, inheriting their fathers' and elder brothers' wealth, indulged in luxury and excess, lacking in virtue. Today, the sons of high-ranking officials are either ambitious and outstanding, or genuinely appreciate elegance, with literary talent and a passion for wine and feasts, differing greatly from the flamboyant and dissolute young masters of the past. Naturally, they have become exceptional young gentlemen. The "Four Gentlemen of the Late Qing" were named after this. Compared to the "Four Gentlemen of the Late Ming," they possessed similar literary talent but fell short in charm and style, and their fame was incomparable. But in today's world, how can they still be matched? The "Four Gentlemen of the Late Qing" include Tan Sitong, the son of the Governor of Hubei; Chen Lisan, the son of the Governor of Hunan; Wu Baochu, the son of the Commander of the Guangdong Navy and Anhui Lujiang; and Ding Huikang, the son of the Governor of Fujian and Guangdong Fengshun. Some argue that Ding Huikang should be replaced by Tao Baolian, the son of the Viceroy of Shaanxi and Gansu and the Governor of Zhejiang Jiaxing. In any case, Tan and Chen are undoubtedly included, without doubt.