Poetry Manuscript of Ju Ye Tang

Author: Li Fu (Qing Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2000-11-01
Features: Li Fu was a local official during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty. He was diligent in governance, loyal to the country, and incorruptible in his love for the people. Dressed in official robes, he longed for the simple life of a commoner. He had a deep passion for collecting books and pursued knowledge diligently. His life was marked by constant wandering, and his later years were filled with sorrow. His work Juyechang Shigao (hereinafter referred to as Shigao), is his extant and most significant work, holding both literary and historical value. According to my knowledge, the earliest record of Li Fu's life and deeds is found in the Fuzhou Fu Zhi, compiled in the 16th year of the Qianlong era (1751). Volume 57 of the Biographies of Figures in this chronicle describes Li Fu as a calligrapher, styled Rujia, from Fuzhou. He was a candidate for the imperial examination in the Jiazi year of the Kangxi era. He served as a Vice Director of the Ministry of Works and later as a Deputy Director of the Ministry of Justice. He gained a reputation for his fair handling of the case of Tao Heqi, the supervisor of the nine city gates, and was appointed as the governor of Chongqing. During the chaos caused by bandits, the land tax records were lost. Li Fu conducted a meticulous survey of the land, eliminating encroachments and corruption. He was later promoted to the position of Transport Commissioner of Hedong, then transferred to the position of Director of Suzhou, Songjiang, Changzhou, and Zhenjiang, and eventually became the Provincial Judge of Jiangsu. As the Provincial Judge, he captured and punished corrupt officials, affecting over a hundred people. Li Fu identified the innocent among them and ensured their release. He was then appointed as the Provincial Governor of Anhui and later served as the Governor of Zhejiang. During a severe drought, he requested the reduction of grain transport by 200,000 units, benefiting the people without their knowledge. Additionally, the custom of using white grain for grain transport was abolished, and red and white grain were used instead, which was favorable to the people. He resigned from office due to the failure to discipline his subordinates. Li Fu came from a family of modest means and was always willing to take action for justice. He was known for his integrity and diligence in office. However, his family fell into poverty, and he lived in rented houses for twenty years. Despite his hardships, he remained content and joyful. He often hosted scholars and officials for literary gatherings and wine-tasting parties. At the age of over eighty, he attended a grand banquet for scholars. Several years later, he passed away. Shigao contains a wealth of content, including poems that record events and express reflections, as well as travelogues with significant historical value. It is a great honor to have this work included in the publication plan of the Fuzhou Series, Volume 2, and its publication will undoubtedly benefit scholars and academics.