Zixi Manuscript

Author: Su Tianjie
Editor-in-Chief: Yao Jing'an
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1997-01-01
Features:
Excerpt: Ode to the Portrait of Wen Chengxiang
Early in his studies at the imperial academy, he aspired to serve with loyalty. In the grand court, he spoke candidly without fear. Called to the capital, the heavens had changed their fate. He raised an army to uphold justice, rising in the Linghai region. Like a person newly ill, he entrusted himself to mediocre physicians. When peril approached, what could Lu and Bian do? With a noble spirit, he accepted martyrdom with composure. His virtue as a minister is renowned, upholding the dignity of the people. Those scholars with sensitive consciences, wealthy, long-lived, and prosperous. Gazing upon his portrait, he seems still alive with an aura of solemnity.
Ode to the Portrait of Shizhongwu Wang, the Prime Minister
As Grand Tutor, loyal and harmonious, he assisted the realm with merit. His ancestral land was Han, and the world was at peace. The heavens converged in unity, without distinction between near and far. He established the state and governed with fairness, treating all equally. When people faced hardship, he showed compassion. In times of danger, he brought peace. The realm was on the verge of peace, and his achievements were glorious. Yet the heavens were unkind, and the wise man departed. His solemn portrait is revered for generations. May he be paired with the court and honored in spring and autumn sacrifices.
This scholar, respectful and filial, possesses great wisdom. Born into a ministerial family, he studied at the prestigious academy. His demeanor was dignified, and his debates were eloquent. Early in his life, he wore silk robes and gained fame for his scholarly works. He served in public office multiple times, maintaining integrity and upholding the law. His words were substantial, and his actions were consistent. Above, he had no faults, and below, he incurred no resentments. His filial piety and meticulous conduct surpassed Shi Qing, and his moral integrity was comparable to Yang Wan. He is the model of a century-old family and the crown of a generation of Confucian ministers.
Ode to the Portrait of Marshal Shuli Gong
The land of Huanyang was vast, with the southwest inhabited by Qiong and Bo tribes. Far from the center's influence, they often committed mischief. The great Marshal Shuli Gong, with a just and upright spirit, carried the imperial decree to their domain. He rested his troops and preached virtue, pacifying the distant lands. Foreign ministers followed his example. In the past, when the Han restored itself, General Chongguo led six armies and defeated Xianling. His achievements were celebrated in songs, leaving eternal beauty. The great Marshal Shuli Gong, a noble example, will forever support the royal house.
Ode to the Portrait of Du Tizhao
Du Jun, styled Yantao, was gentle, benevolent, and harmonious. He was upright and simple, a man of virtue. During his parents' mourning, he lived alone for five years, abstaining from meat and wine. A kind and diligent scholar, he studied under Liu Wenjing of Rongcheng. Wenjing had hundreds of disciples but particularly cherished Du, Wu Chong of Liaodong, and Lin Qizong of Neiqiu. After Wenjing's death, Du compiled his writings, while other works were kept secret.
Postscript:
The 30 volumes of Zixi Wenfu were compiled by Su Tianjie of Zhending. Tianjie, styled Boxiu, was a student at the Imperial Academy, later appointed as a clerk and judge of Jizhou, and finally served as a Vice Director of the Jiangzhe Provincial Administration. His biography is recorded in the Biographies of Yuan Dynasty Officials. The 30 volumes were compiled by his subordinates Gao Ming and Ge Yuanzhe while he served as Vice Director of the Jiangzhe Provincial Administration. Ge Yuanzhe, styled Tingzhe, was from Linchuan and passed the imperial examination as a local candidate. Zhao Fang's Collected Works of Dongshan Mountain includes a preface to Ge Yuanzhe, detailing his character. Gao Ming, styled Zeceng, was from Yongjia and became a clerk in the Bocang Prefecture after passing the imperial examination. Zhao Fang also wrote a preface to Gao Zeceng's return to Yongjia, identifying him. Gao Ming compiled The Collection of Rouke Studio, which includes three poems titled Gao Boxiu's Journey to Jingzhao, showing his friendship with Su Tianjie. Boxiu's writings excel in narrative, with nearly 100 inscriptions and epitaphs in the collection, offering insights into Yuan Dynasty institutions and figures where historical records are lacking. However, the printed version is rare, and copies have been transmitted, leading to errors. This manuscript in Ding Zhongcheng's collection was cross-checked against Lu Baojing's edition and supplemented with the last six volumes of a Yuan-era large-character edition. Two lines were omitted, and over fifty characters were corrected. Yet, one essay titled Recording Prisoners remains incomplete.
In the month of Jizhao, the sixth month of the year, Zhang Junqing of Wuxing wrote this postscript.
Preface to the Zixi Wenfu Printed by Xu's Tuigeng Hall
The 30 volumes of Zixi Wenfu were written by Su Boxiu Tianjie of Zhending during the Yuan Dynasty. Since the Yuan Dynasty unified the world, Xu Rulai and Liu Jingxiu emerged as the Confucian pillars of the era. Boxiu secretly admired Jingxiu and deeply revered the moral and literary traditions of Cheng and Zhu, gaining fame for his virtue and scholarship. Many eminent officials entrusted their works to him.