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Li Shimian

Type Figure Region China Time 1363–1450 Also known as Shimian、Jingzhai、Zhongwen

Li Shimian (1363–1450), courtesy name Shimian, of Anfu, Jiangxi, a renowned early-Ming Confucian scholar who rose through the Hanlin Academy and the …

Timeline

  1. 1363–1410Anfu · Ji'anA native of Anfu, he passed the jinshi examination in the second year of Yongle (1404), was appointed compiler, and entered the Hanlin Academy; famed for deep classical learning and upright conduct, he gradually came to the court's attention.
  2. 1411–1426Nanjing · NanjingPromoted to Director of the Imperial Academy, he oversaw education nationwide, strictly upholding the teacher's way and reforming academic morals. During Yongle he struck the imperial grandson Zhu Zhanji in court for disrespect, astonishing court and country; his uprightness later brought repeated demotions and restorations.
  3. 1427–1450Anfu · Ji'anDuring Xuande and Zhengtong he still occasionally served as an education official, then retired home on account of age and died in his native place, posthumously named Zhongwen. He was renowned all his life for teaching and nurturing others and for holding fast to principle without servility, making him a model early-Ming Confucian official.

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