The outstanding talent of the past, Gu Taiqing

Author: Zhang Juling
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-01-01
Features: This is an academic monograph that provides a detailed introduction to the life and works of the outstanding Manchu female writer Gu Taiqing of the Qing Dynasty. Based on the author's personal review of the rare complete collection of Gu Taiqing's poems and songs, "Tianyouge Ji," preserved in Japan, it unravels the mysterious life story of Taiqing and clarifies various false claims. While focusing on the artistic achievements of Taiqing's poetry, the book also describes the deep marital love between Taiqing and Yi Hui, as well as their refined cultural pursuits of encouraging and nurturing talent. It introduces the Autumn Red Society, a gathering of Manchu and Han female talents in the capital, where their creative activities form a brilliant chapter in the history of Chinese women's writing. The author further argues that Taiqing is the author of one of the sequels to "Dream of the Red Chamber," "Shadow of the Red Chamber," thereby confirming her as a prominent female novelist in Chinese literary history. "Among Manchu poets, there is Cheng Rongruo (Nalan Xingde) among men, and Taiqing Chun among women." This is a high praise for the poet Gu Taiqing. "By the side of Taiping Lake, on Taiping Street, deep in the south spring, night lingers. The person is, and the name is, as the lilac flowers sway low." A delicate poem vividly portrays a baseless and ambiguous romance between Gu Taiqing and Gong Zizhen. Talented, beautiful, yet with a mysterious background—this seems to be the main impression that later generations had of Gu Taiqing, the outstanding Manchu female writer of the Qing Dynasty. This book is an academic monograph that provides a detailed introduction to Gu Taiqing's life and works during the five reigns of Jiaqing, Daoguang, Xianfeng, Tongzhi, and Guangxu. Based on the author's personal review of the rare complete collection of Gu Taiqing's poems and songs, "Tianyouge Ji," it unravels the mysterious life story of Taiqing and clarifies various false claims. While focusing on the artistic achievements of Taiqing's poetry, the book also describes the deep marital love between Taiqing and Yi Hui, as well as their refined cultural pursuits of encouraging and nurturing talent. It introduces the Autumn Red Society, a gathering of Manchu and Han female talents in the capital, where their creative activities form a brilliant chapter in the history of Chinese women's writing. The author further argues that Taiqing is the author of "Shadow of the Red Chamber," one of the sequels to "Dream of the Red Chamber," thereby confirming her as a prominent female novelist in Chinese literary history. The publication of this book will hold significant value for enriching the study of Manchu literature and Chinese literary history.
Excerpt: Selections from Gu Taiqing's Poetry
Jiangchengzi · On a Dream
Fog shrouds the cold water, moon shrouds the sand,
Sailing on a spirit raft, visiting celestial homes.
Along the clear stream, two oars break the mist.
Just past the small bridge, the scenery changes.
Under the bright moon, I see plum blossoms.
Ten thousand plum trees, shadows intertwined,
At the edge of the mountain, at the edge of the water.
The lake and sky are as beautiful as can be praised.
I wish to roam the fragrant snow sea,
Awakened from a dream, to resent the cawing of crows.
Jinluru · Self-Portrait with Snow
Facing the dying lamp, reading,
Listening to the wind outside the window, a rustling sound,
Coldly tapping bamboo.
Sitting until late at night, the wind grows stronger,
The wall is dark, the lamp flower like a bean.
Feeling the cold of my green sleeves, the clothes are thin.
I rise to draw the curtain and see the night.
The plum blossoms are covered with thousands of flowing jade.
The snow flies swiftly, the roof creaks.
The chaotic clouds obscure the empty valley.
Embracing the vastness, ice flowers and cold petals,
Not distinguishing between forest and mountain.
How much poetic feeling is often in my ears,
The fragrance of flowers fills the air.
Written on silk, a horizontal scroll.
Not because I favor snow in my life,
But to preserve the true face of the world.
On the railing, standing alone in solitude.
Jialezi · Remembering Yunlin
Rain is thin, wind is gentle,
Full of the taste of sorrow.
The wind is gentle, the rain is thin,
Twelve hours of longing.
I remember you, you remember me,
No matter which way, it is fine.
You remember me, I remember you,
Sorrowful intestines like a turning wheel.
Huo Huoling · Long Separation
After a long separation, the passion is even stronger,
The deeper the connection, the more the words.
An old friend invites me to drink fragrant wine.
It is time for crows to roost, the window shadow gradually turns to dusk.
The east wind on my face is cold, the spring snow flips all over the sky.
Returning drunk, I do not fear the closed city gate.
Along the way, jingyao, no car tracks.
Along the way, distant mountains and near trees,
Adorning the jade world.
Jiangcheng Meihuayin · Rainy Day Receiving Yunjiang
Jiang Xing, a letter from a friend a thousand miles away.
Open quickly, open slowly,
I do not know if the letter is safe.
After parting, the seasons have changed,
In the south and north, moving parting sorrow,
I linger, I linger,
Vague in my heart.
The sky is one end, the water is one end,
Dreaming, dreaming,
Dreaming of the past skirts and hairpins.
Who remembers the west wind, raising the head,
A heart full of ashes.
Next year, if you return, you will see me,
Should not be like parting, the old body.