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Yan Shu

Type Figure Region Linchuan, Fuzhou Time 991–1055 Also known as Tongshu、Linchuan

Yan Shu (991–1055), courtesy name Tongshu, from Linchuan, Fuzhou, Northern Song;…

Timeline

  1. 991–1005Linchuan, Fuzhou · LinchuanYan Shu was born in Linchuan, Fuzhou; able to compose at seven, he entered the examination as a child prodigy, was granted a jinshi-equivalent degree under Emperor Zhenzong, gained fame in youth, later entered the academy, and began a decades-long official career.
  2. 1029–1040Kaifeng · Kaifeng PrefectureFrom the late Tiansheng era through Jingyou and early Qingli, Yan Shu held posts including Left Director of the Department of State Affairs, Chancellor, and Grand Academician of the Jixian Hall; in 1038 he was appointed Vice Censor-in-Chief, and from 1031 to 1040 he long occupied the center of government, participating in policy decisions and recruiting scholars.
  3. 1050–1055Bozhou · BozhouIn his later years Yan Shu retired and lived in Bozhou, still amusing himself with ci and verse; famous lines such as 'helplessly the blossoms fall' had lasting influence; he died in the third year of Huangyou (1051).

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