Liu Yong in History

Author: Ji Lianhai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: After the popular broadcast of the CCTV-10 program "Lecture Hall," the author, Mr. Ji Lianhai, has meticulously crafted this supplemented edition. Liu Yong, the son of Liu Tongxun, served successively in the reigns of Emperor Qianlong and Emperor Jiaqing, reaching the rank of Grand Secretary of the Tiren Pavilion. He was an honest and upright statesman as well as a talented scholar with extensive knowledge. Based on extensive online and social surveys, the author presents an authentic account of the Liu family and the achievements of the four generations—Liu Bixian, Liu Qi, Liu Tongxun, and Liu Yong. The book focuses on Liu Tongxun's official career, as well as Liu Yong's life and his story of outwitting Heshen in a battle of wits. The content is rich and detailed, with a humorous and lively writing style, making it worth reading. Moreover, from this book, we can also verify the author's meticulous research, rigorous attitude, sincere dedication, and the hard work involved in his endeavors.
Liu Yong (1719–1804) was a renowned calligrapher of the Qing Dynasty. His courtesy name was Chongru, and his style name was Shian. He was from Zhucheng and the son of Grand Secretary Liu Tongxun. He passed the imperial examination under Emperor Qianlong. In 1762 (the 27th year of Qianlong's reign), he was appointed as the magistrate of Taiyuan, later promoted to the position of Vice Commissioner of Xining. In 1762 (the 31st year of Qianlong's reign), he was sent to the military posts due to negligence in supervision, but later was appointed as the magistrate of Jiangning through his father's influence and then transferred to the position of Governor of Shaanxi. In 1772 (the 41st year of Qianlong's reign), he served as the acting Grand Secretary of the Grand Council and worked in the Southern Study Office. In 1778 (the 43rd year of Qianlong's reign), he submitted a memorial accusing Xu Shuke of the poem collection "One Pillar Tower" of being rebellious, leading to a case of literary censorship. He also served as the Governor of Hunan, where he achieved notable governance. In 1778 (the 47th year of Qianlong's reign), he returned to the Southern Study Office and became the chief editor of the San Tong Academy. He later served as the Minister of Works and the Minister of Personnel. In 1797 (the 2nd year of Jiaqing's reign), he was promoted to Grand Secretary of the Tiren Pavilion and submitted a memorial requesting the dredging of the lower reaches of the Yellow River. He passed away in Beijing and was posthumously honored as Wenqing. In recent years, he gained fame for the TV series "The Prime Minister Liu Luoguo."
Liu Yong was famous for his calligraphy. His style was round and elegant, with thick ink, soft yet strong, and a unique character. He was praised as "abounding in essence, containing vigor, a harmonious Taiji, and encompassing all." He authored the poetry collection "Shian Poetry Collection."