Wenzhou Literature Series. Mei Lengsheng Collection

Author: Mei Lengsheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: Mr. Mei Lengsheng's literary talent shines in the Wenzhou region. From an early age, he gained recognition for his poetry and prose, and in his later years, he served as the head of the literary circle, earning the title "a man of profound knowledge and lifelong dedication to poetry and books" from his peers. He was particularly skilled in bibliography and textual criticism, deeply familiar with the local customs and history of Wenzhou. Throughout his life, he devoted himself to the development of Wenzhou's literary and cultural heritage. During difficult times, he tirelessly worked to rescue and collect local literature, striving to revitalize the academic traditions of Yongjia and inspire future generations. His achievements were widely celebrated in his hometown. Mr. Yuqing (1895-1976), styled Lengsheng, was a pseudonym that he used in public. His other pen names included Weibao, Gufang, and Maiwang. He was known as Mr. Lengsheng and was from the urban area of Wenzhou. From a young age, he was exceptionally intelligent and was hailed as a child prodigy. At the age of nine during the 29th year of the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty, he participated in the imperial examinations, though he did not pass, he still impressed his hometown. At the age of 12, he wrote "Random Notes," which included the lines: "Vibrant red and purple fill the pavilions, March's spring light comes in grand waves; Only peonies adore wealth and status, but in my home, ten years have passed without blooming." His verses were widely praised by scholars. After the Xinhai Revolution, he enrolled in Dongou Law School, where he embraced progressive ideas. Upon graduation, at the brink of adulthood, Mr. Lengsheng formed friendships with Chen Honghui of Yongjia, Xia Chengtao, Li Xiang, Xue Zhongdou, Song Qibao, Li Li, and Li Qiao of Ruian. They often gathered at the Jinfeng Pavilion, engaging in lively discussions on classics and debates. At that time, the nation was facing external turmoil and internal chaos, with political instability. Mr. Lengsheng wielded his pen to discuss international affairs and criticize the evils of warlords, publishing his opinions and satirical essays in "Wenhai Chao." This book includes topics such as "Law and Power," "Mei Yuqing and Others Questioning the Case of the Arrest of Chinese Merchants by the Wenzhou Japanese Company Suzuki," "The Delay in Serious Diplomatic Negotiations," "A Letter to Elder Liu Ciren," "My Experience with the Zhuoyuan Library," and "Contract for Storing Books from Jingxiang Tower at Zhuoyuan Library."