History of Shu

Author: Hu Zhaoxi / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-04-01
Features:
(IV) The Role and Status of Sichuan Shuyuan in the Song Dynasty
Regarding the role and status of Song Dynasty Shuyuan education, an objective evaluation must be made based on the actual situation. As a new form of educational organization, Shuyuan differed from traditional prefectural and county official schools in terms of teaching content and methods, possessing its own characteristics and advantages. Moreover, many were privately run, making their distinct features from official schools even more pronounced. Therefore, academia believes that the development of Song Dynasty Shuyuan gradually became more complete and institutionalized, becoming an important force in education and academic research, holding a significant position in the history of Chinese education. However, it must also be noted that the development of Song Dynasty Shuyuan was gradual and uneven across regions. Most of the available materials on this topic are simple and fragmented, making it difficult to gain a comprehensive understanding. Thus, a general evaluation of the role and status of Song Dynasty Shuyuan education must be cautious. Currently, only preliminary opinions can be proposed based on the known materials.
Regarding Sichuan Shuyuan in the Song Dynasty, there were 7 during the Northern Song Dynasty (accounting for 24.1%) and 22 during the Southern Song Dynasty (accounting for 75.9%), with the Southern Song Dynasty being more developed. It is believed that 19 of them had social educational functions, accounting for 65.5%. Among them, 12 were government-run, accounting for 60% of the 20 officially confirmed institutions, while 8 were privately run, accounting for 40%. Most had a short existence, often ending after the founders left or passed away. Below, based on the available materials, some comments on the role and status of Shuyuan will be made.
1. Teaching Students and Nurturing Talent
Pujiang Heishan Shuyuan was a private school founded and taught by Wei Liao. It had a clear effect in cultivating talent. According to The Origin and Development of Heishan Shuyuan, it was recorded: "In the spring of Jiading 3rd year, an edict was issued to invite scholars from all prefectures and counties. In Qiongzhou, those who were preparing for the provincial examinations were crowded together, but there was no place for lectures. When Heishan Shuyuan was completed, they were assigned to teach there." By recruiting these Qiongzhou students who were preparing for the provincial examinations but had no place for study to the Shuyuan for instruction, the results were remarkable. "When they took the provincial examinations, from the top candidates down, eight out of ten passed, and the study room was soon empty. People spread the story as a fine talk." After studying at the Shuyuan from spring to autumn, these students performed well in the provincial examinations, achieving the excellent result of "eight out of ten passing." Among them was Wang Wanli, who was ranked first in the provincial examinations (i.e., "lei yuan"). In his To Wang Yan Zheng, Wei Liao wrote: "From this, a room was built on the spot, which is now known as Baihe Shuyuan. I then invited over ten scholars who were to take the provincial examinations to write essays together. That year, from Wang Wanli, who ranked first in the provincial examinations, down, a total of seven passed. Those who did not pass later also followed in succession in the imperial examinations, some obtaining positions through imperial favor, leaving none behind."
Despite such good results, Wei Liao believed: "This is merely to pursue memorization and literary skills to seek wealth and status. To study is to study, but is it just about memorization and literary skills?" He did not regard passing the imperial examinations through memorization and literary skills as the teaching purpose, but rather to spread "the words of the former kings, examining things as they happen, to remain true to their original kindness," that is, to teach students with Confucian ideals and principles. After the provincial examinations, Wei Liao again gathered scholars from all over to study together, and those who came with their luggage came one after another. Thus, he expanded Heishan Shuyuan. From Jiading 12th to 14th year, when Wei Liao returned to his hometown to mourn his mother, he lectured again at Heishan Shuyuan, attracting many more students.
How many people once received instruction from Wei Liao at Pujiang Heishan Shuyuan is now unknown. From the records, we know that a few famous scholars once studied there. Below is a brief introduction to their situations.
Wang Wan (?, 1234), styled Wanli, was from Pujiang, Qiongzhou. He studied at Pujiang Heishan Shuyuan in Jiading 3rd year (1210) and passed the provincial examinations in the same year. He held positions such as Professor of Zizhou, Professor of Xuzhou, Grand Recorder of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, and Grand Recorder of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.