Biography of Huang Tingjian

Author: Huang Baohua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-12-01
Features: From the end of the eighth year of the Yuanfeng era to the fourth month of the Yuanyou era when Su Shi left the capital for Hangzhou, Huang Tingjian spent over three years in close association with Su Shi. He had the opportunity to receive personal instruction from Dongpo and left behind many collaborative poems. During this period, the number of collaborative poems they wrote, according to the author's statistics, reached thirty-five themes. If poems on the same themes by others are included, the total exceeds forty. Additionally, Tingjian composed several poems in praise of Su Shi, which is a considerable number. Sometimes, a single theme was not only collaborated on by Su and Huang but also involved others, such as when Su Shi wrote a poem titled "West Mountain in Wuchang," with over thirty others participating in the collaboration. Tingjian responded with "In Rhyme to Zizhan's West Mountain in Wuchang," which reads:
"Throughout his life, Su the Historian roamed the four seas,
Yet wine could not quench the towering peaks of his heart.
As Vice Magistrate of Huangzhou, he sat idle and at ease,
With no path to convey his remonstrances to the court.
Before the Parrot Isle, he played with the moonlight,
As the Goddess of the River danced, leaving dust on her socks.
Zishan's drunken spirit called forth phantom forms,
As he stepped into the cold stream, where gold and jade piled high.
Washing away the traces of dust, he entertained guests,
Laughing as he leaned by the Wuhan River, making it a wine jar.
Who knew his literary brilliance would shine through time and space,
As elders fought for seats and fishermen vied for the best spots." (Collected Works Annotations, Volume 5)
With a masterful pen, the poet vividly portrays the unresolved grievances in Su Shi's heart after his exile, his loyal sincerity unable to reach the heavens. Thus, he roamed the mountains and waters, associating with the ancients, mingling with mountain hermits and fisherfolk, with an open and uncalculating mind. Su Shi's unrestrained freedom, elegant spirit, and ethereal demeanor are almost tangible.