Collected Works of Yuan Zhen

Author: (Tang) Yuan Zhen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-06-01
Features: Yuan Zhen (779–831 AD), styled Weizhi, was a native of Luoyang, Henan. He was born in Chang'an and lost his father at a young age. Due to his family's poverty, he studied diligently with his mother and passed the imperial examination at the age of fifteen. During the Yuanhe era of Emperor Xianzong of the Tang Dynasty, he passed the special examination and was granted the title of Cai. In the reign of Emperor Muzong, he served as prime minister for several months before holding positions such as governor of Tongzhou, Zhaozhou, and military governor of Wuchang. In the fifth year of the Daxhe era, he died suddenly in his post in Wuchang at the age of fifty-three. Throughout his life, Yuan Zhen experienced six dynasties of the Tang Dynasty: the reigns of Emperors Dezong, Shunzong, Muzong, Jingzong, and Wenzong. He was a close poetic collaborator with Bai Juyi and also a pioneer and advocate of the New Yuefu movement. Their poetic styles were similar, and they are collectively known as "Yuan Bai."