One coat of mist and rain, let life go as it will (A Selection of Masterpieces of Tang and Song Poetry and Prose/Edited by Chen Zumei)

Author: Tao Wenpeng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: Su Shi (1037—1101), styled Zi Zhan, styled Dongpo Jushi, was a native of Meishan (now Meishan County, Sichuan Province). In the second year of the Zongjia era of the Song Dynasty, he passed the imperial examination. During the reign of Emperor Shenzong, Wang Anshi implemented the New Policies, and Su Shi held differing political views, leading to his being sent as a local official to Hangzhou, Mizhou (now Zhucheng County, Shandong Province), Xuzhou, and Huizhou. Later, he was accused of writing seditious poems by some members of the New Party, leading to the "Black Tower Incident" (Wutai Shiyuan), where he was imprisoned. After being rescued, he was demoted to the position of Deputy Military Commissioner of Huangzhou (now Huanggang County, Hubei Province). When the Old Party came to power, he was recalled and appointed as a Hanlin Academician and Minister of Rites. However, he again clashed with the Old Party and was sidelined, serving as a local official in Hangzhou and Yingzhou. When the New Party, now corrupted, returned to power, Su Shi was once again exiled to Huizhou (now Huizhou, Guangdong Province) and Dangzhou (now Dang County, Hainan Island). Upon Emperor Huizong's accession to the throne, he was pardoned and returned north but died in Changzhou. Su Shi was a highly talented artist who achieved outstanding accomplishments in various fields of art, including poetry, ci poetry, prose, calligraphy, and painting. His poetry covered a wide range of themes and dared to reflect real-life realities. His ci poetry expanded the boundaries of the genre, blending bold and restrained styles. His prose was effortless and natural, capturing landscapes and emotions in a fluid and expressive manner.