Unearthing the cultural root of Songjiang’s literary history
Print Edition
THE “General History of Shanghai Literature” recently published by Fudan University Press depicts characters who lived in current Songjiang and whose work also thrived in the area.
To a large extent, the ancient literary history of Shanghai is a literature history of Songjiang. The district is, as written in the book, the cultural root of Songjiang.
In the third chapter of the book, four men of letters are introduced as Four Masters of Song County (where Songjiang is located now), namely Song Maocheng, Wang Qi, Shi Dajing and Yu Ruji of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Song Maocheng
Song is an extensive reader. Since the age of eight, he started devouring Chinese classics such as “Zi Zhi Tong Jian” (“History as A Mirror”) and “Shi Ji” (“Records of the Grand Historian”). He began a poetry journey at 15. Later, he took imperial examinations but failed repeatedly. With no way to use his political and military vision, he put all his heart into literature.
His classical Chinese novels have contributed greatly to modern novels and dramas in China. “Jiu Yue Ji” — a collection of 44 of his short novels — criticizes the feudalism and expresses enlightened attitude to the society.
Wang Qi
Wang is said to have started reading at four and began the classics at seven. As an avid reader, he acquired extensive knowledge. His book, the highly-valued, “Xu Wenxian Tongkao” (“Additional General Investigation of Ancient Documents”), despite its flaws in citing historical materials, compiled many rarely-seen materials for later generations to read.
Yu Ruji
Scant historical document shows that erudite Yu Ruji was appointed by the then Minister of Rites to amend “Record of Rituals.” Unfortunately he broke down from constant overwork before he finished the work.
Shi Dajing
Before being appointed as local magistrate, Shi became a qualified graduate of triennial provincial exam but failed to pass the triennial court qualification. While a local magistrate, Shi upheld justice and redressed injustice done to many victims.
In his lifetime, he has collected books of over 10,000 volumes and built a pavilion called Youhuo Ge for his collection.
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