Between Tradition and Modernity: A Study of Liang Zhangju's Academic and Cultural Thought

Author: Wang Junwei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: In the autumn of 1999, Junwei temporarily left his teaching post and entered Fudan University, dedicating himself to his doctoral studies for three years. During this time, I had the privilege of engaging in academic discussions and exchanging ideas with the vibrant and enthusiastic students like Junwei. As the ancients said, "Teachers do not necessarily have to be superior to their disciples, and disciples do not necessarily have to be inferior to their teachers." This is a timeless maxim. On the journey of learning in life, teaching and learning mutually benefit each other. While teachers impart knowledge, they also draw inspiration from the youthful enthusiasm of their students, rejuvenating themselves and glimpsing the beauty and hope of the future. Now several years have passed, and Junwei's weighty manuscript, Between Tradition and Modernity—A Study of Liang Zhangju's Academic and Literary Thought, is now firmly in hand. As a reader, I devoured it from cover to cover, eager to be the first to experience it, and was filled with reflections after finishing.
I remember when Junwei first entered the university, perhaps due to his unfamiliarity with the environment, he was reserved in speech but diligent in action. When it came to decisions, he acted decisively and arranged everything in an orderly manner, earning everyone's trust. However, during discussions, he never took the lead but instead allowed his younger peers to speak first, often responding with well-thought-out insights, demonstrating a maturity that far surpassed that of a student. Among his peers, he was known as the "master" for his kindness, fairness, and willingness to help others resolve difficulties. He treated his classmates' problems as his own, pouring his heart into resolving conflicts subtly. This earned him the trust and support of his peers. His moral character and scholarly achievements had long been renowned on campus and highly regarded by all. Given his performance in school, I believe he will continue to move forward bravely in society, laying a solid foundation for his rigorous academic pursuits.
During Junwei's doctoral studies, it was a time of transition between the old and new centuries, marked by renewal. In academia, summarizing achievements, reflecting on the past, and looking ahead to the future became major topics of discussion. As a result, the transformation of modern scholarship and critical reflections on modernity were brought to the forefront. Junwei's work has thus become a part of this era's tide—immersing himself in the mainstream and forming a positive wave, rolling forward.
Junwei originally studied modern Chinese literature but, upon entering Fudan University, switched to ancient and modern literature. He had to pay a significant price for this change, abandoning his familiar field and starting anew in unfamiliar territory. The hardships he endured can be imagined. Yet he pressed forward without hesitation, driven by his own deep reflections. An expert or professor of modern Chinese literature who focuses solely on the modern era without comparing it to ancient and modern literature or the development of Western theories would inevitably have a limited academic perspective, making it difficult to uncover and explore the essence behind many phenomena. Without seeing the essence, how could they provide theoretical and methodological guidance for the development of modern Chinese literature? It was precisely because of this deep understanding that Junwei dared to transform himself and open up new frontiers during his doctoral studies, laying a broad and solid foundation for future research in modern Chinese literature. Between Tradition and Modernity specifically studies the academic and literary thought of Liang Zhangju during the Qing Dynasty. This is a classic case study in history. However, the depth of its academic vision lies in its ability to analyze a vivid and specific case, thereby tracing the clear trajectory of the transformation of modern scholarship and literature. Thus, choosing this topic shows the author's thoughtful care.
This is not only because Liang Zhangju's academic writings are extremely rich, covering all aspects of scholarship and literature. Even as a master of notes, the quantity and quality of his works are rare. If we consider only his poetry commentaries, which fall under the category of ancient and modern literary criticism, there are six volumes of Changle Poetry Notes, eight volumes of Nanpu Poetry Notes, ten volumes of Southeast Peak Notes, three volumes of Three Bamboo Poetry Notes, an unnumbered volume of Minchuan Poetry Notes (fragmentary), four volumes of Minchuan Lady Poets' Notes, twelve volumes of Qianlong-Jiaqing Minchuan Poetry Notes, two volumes of Notes on Reading Yuanyang's Poetry, two volumes of Yandang Poetry Notes, and three volumes of Tuan'an's Notes on Learning Literature and Poetry and Travels and Talks·Poetry Notes. Additionally, there are two volumes of Notes on Reading Suoyuan's Poetry Notes (lost), totaling twelve types. Moreover, in works like Collected Notes on Couplets and Collected Notes on Regulated Verse, his discussions on poetry and literature are, in essence, similar to his poetry commentaries. The richness of his poetry commentaries in the Qing Dynasty is unparalleled.
While the quality of these numerous poetry commentaries varies, they all hold high academic value. Even the lost Notes on Reading Suoyuan's Poetry Notes is significant. At the time, mainstream poetic circles criticized Yuan Mei's Suoyuan Poetry Notes for either seeking praise from officials or admiring women, with almost no praise spared. Yet Liang Zhangju, after reading it, demonstrated independent thinking and broke free from traditional biases. Junwei cites Liang Zhangju's Preface to Suoyuan's Literary Selections (only extant in a manuscript held by the Shanghai Library): "Among its insightful remarks and balanced arguments, there is much that can correct misconceptions and inspire the younger generation. It reveals the depth of the master's understanding and his rejection of the ordinary, with the wisdom of a needle guiding the way, evident throughout the work. Though I came late to the master's presence, I have read his every book. When serving in Jiangnan, I briefly stayed in Jinling and visited Suoyuan, composing a poem: 'Six dynasties' poetic glory meets this garden, half of Jiangnan's literary circles praises Yuan. Now I have, but let's not dwell on his learning or character.' At the time, the elders of Wujiang who saw this poem praised its subtlety. Upon rereading this compilation, I realized my previous understanding of the master was shallow, always echoing without truly grasping his profound intentions. Over ten days, I carefully selected several passages, dividing them into two volumes, to share with contemporary poetry scholars, hoping no one will think me ignorant or reckless." His self-reflection reveals Liang Zhangju's spirit of seeking truth from facts rather than blindly following others. Even in his poetry commentaries alone, we see a glimpse of his great academic contributions. Studying Liang Zhangju can be said to fill a meaningful academic gap.
For example, in Collected Notes on Teachers and Friends, Liang Zhangju affectionately mentions Liu Fenglu, Gong Zizhen, Lin Zexu, the "Yandang Poetry School," and his poem Thoughts on the River in Kunling, as well as his clear records of his interactions with Wei Yuan, a disciple. These figures were pioneers of modern enlightenment, whose ideas and scholarship were cutting-edge at the time. Yet as a traditional scholar, Liang Zhangju showed warm care and support for them. Junwei highlights these historical details, clearly showing that Liang's academic and thought were situated between the old and the new. He had already sensed the severe crisis and pressure faced by the Qing Empire and traditional academic thought. Though he could not yet break free from traditional constraints, amidst the sighs of the era's relentless progress, an upright scholar occasionally looked forward and listened carefully, discerning the weight of the approaching footsteps of modern change.
Between Tradition and Modernity, in its rich and detailed case study filled with theoretical reflections, allows readers to peer beyond the veil of tradition and contemplate how to a new era. The author aspires to follow the footsteps of the enlightenment era and engage in profound modern reflection, offering valuable insights. This is the heart of our discussion on the transformation of modern scholarship. Will the broader readership agree?