Yutang Jiahua

Author: Wang Yun [Yuan Dynasty], annotated by Yang Xiaochun
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-12-01
Features: This book is one of the "Collected Notes on Yuan and Ming Historical Materials," including two Yuan Dynasty notes. Yutang Jiahua (Eight Volumes): Wang Yun (1227–1304), styled Zhongmou, styled Qiujian, was a native of Jixian County, Weizhou (now Jixian County, Henan). The Wang family was a wealthy and well-established household. His grandfather, Wang Yu, served as a Dunwu Xuewei under the Jin Dynasty, while his father, Wang Tianze, passed the imperial examination in law in the early years of the Jin Dazheng era and rose to the position of Huibu Zhushi. Wang Yun was "naturally virtuous in childhood, diligent in learning, and eager for knowledge as if starved and thirsty." The content of Yutang Jiahua is half historical records of the late Jin and early Yuan periods, and half discussions on historical events and customs of previous dynasties. It is rich in content. Shanju Xinyu (Four Volumes): Yang Yu (1285–1361), styled Yuancheng, was a native of Hangzhou. He was born in the 22nd year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Emperor and died in the 21st year of the Zhizong era at the age of 77. During the Tianli era (around 1329), he was promoted to the position of Zhongrui Si Dianbu. The Yuan Emperor appreciated his integrity and diligence, promoting him to the position of Zaoyi Dafu and Tai Shi Yuan Pan Guan. In the 15th year of the Zhizong era (1355), bandits roamed in Jiangdong and Zhexi, and he was appointed as the Chief Administrator of Dezhou. Yang Yu governed the region as if it were his own home, and the people regarded him as their parents. The provincial government recognized his contributions, promoting him to Zhongfeng Dafu, Zhedong Dao Xuanwei Shi, and Duyuanshu. In the 20th year of the Zhizong era (1360), he retired. Yang Yu wrote Shanju Xinyu (Four Volumes), which, as recorded in the Siku Zongmu, documents his observations and experiences, often incorporating supernatural tales. The notes were completed in the late Yuan Dynasty and contain a great deal of information on Yuan Dynasty institutions, social customs, economic culture, and more. Both of these notes hold significant historical value.