About Zhang Jiuling
678 - 740
Biography
Biography
Zhang Jiuling (678-740), courtesy name Zishou, was from Qujiang, Shaozhou (present-day Shaoguan, Guangdong), a famous politician and writer of the Tang Dynasty. Born into an official family, he was intelligent from youth and passed the imperial examination early. He served in various positions including Palace Library Compiler, Right Reminder, and Secretariat Drafter, eventually becoming Prime Minister. He was upright and dared to offer direct advice, earning Emperor Xuanzong's trust. He advocated selecting talented people based on merit and opposed nepotism. In his later years, he was demoted due to political disagreements with Li Linfu and died in grief and indignation. His poetry style was elegant and refined, earning him the title "First Person of Lingnan."
Philosophical System
Philosophical System
Zhang Jiuling's thoughts embodied Confucian ideals of benevolent governance and upright character. He advocated "employing people based on virtue," opposing corrupt practices of nepotism. He emphasized that rulers should be open to advice and listen to loyal counsel. He had strong feelings of concern for country and people, caring about people's livelihood and suffering. In literature, he pursued "profound and subtle expression," emphasizing poetry's educational function. His political ideals embodied traditional Confucian governance thoughts, emphasizing moral rule and benevolent government.
Major Works
Major Works
Zhang Jiuling's major works include poetry and political essays. His representative poems include the twelve "Gan Yu" poems, with famous lines like "Plants and trees have their original nature, why seek beautiful people to pluck them" widely recited. "The bright moon rises over the sea, we share this moment though far apart" from "Gazing at the Moon and Thinking of the Distant" is an eternal famous line. His poetry style was elegant and distant, with lofty tone, embodying the characteristics of High Tang poetry. Political essays like "Thousand Autumn Golden Mirror Record" reflected his political thoughts and governance concepts.
Historical Significance
Historical Significance
Zhang Jiuling was an important politician and writer of the Tang Dynasty, whose political ideals and literary achievements significantly influenced later generations. As an important participant in the Kaiyuan Prosperity, his exemplary ministerial conduct became a model for later officials to learn from. His poetry holds an important position in Tang poetry, especially his "Gan Yu" poems, which carry profound meaning and far-reaching influence. Zhang Jiuling was also an important representative of Lingnan culture, praised as the "First Person of Lingnan."
Cultural Influence
Cultural Influence
Zhang Jiuling is praised as the "First Person of Lingnan," and his political character and literary achievements profoundly influenced later generations. Literati throughout history have admired his upright character and elegant poetry style, learning from his spirit of loyalty to ruler and love of country. His poetry works are widely recited, especially famous lines like "The bright moon rises over the sea, we share this moment though far apart," which became classic expressions of Chinese culture. In the Lingnan region, Zhang Jiuling is regarded as a cultural symbol, inspiring later generations to pursue noble character.
Key Concepts
Key Concepts
First Person of Lingnan (cultural status), Gan Yu poems (representative works), bright moon over sea (classic line), employing virtuous people (political concept), Kaiyuan Prosperity (historical background), loyalty and patriotism (character spirit), elegant poetry style (literary feature)
Quotes by Zhang Jiuling
Explore the essence of this wise thinker's thoughts
True friendship knows no distance; even ten thousand li apart, we are still neighbors.
相知无远近，万里尚为邻。
Source: Seeing Off Li Shaofu