The Ming and Qing dynasties had a very low evaluation of Wang Anshi, and even called him a traitor and villain. It was not until Mr. Liang Qichao wrote a biography of him in modern times that people began to rediscover his value. In fact, our evaluation of any historical figure should not be too singular, so there will definitely be misjudgments. As a statesman, writer, and thinker in the Northern Song Dynasty, Wang Anshi was unparalleled in both talent and knowledge. Especially his noble character, which is an example for us to learn from. He has always cared about the world and worried about the country and the people. He did not reform for himself, but wanted to change the Northern Song Dynasty at that time, but many people did not understand it, and eventually made him The original vigorous reform movement ended in failure.
Wang Anshi showed extraordinary talent in his youth. Nian Hanchuang studied hard to realize his life ideal, and then went to work in a local place. During this period, he always cared about national affairs, and Song Shenzong at that time also greatly appreciated his talent, so he made an extraordinary promotion. At the age of 30, he began to go to the capital to work on reforms. Reform is a major event, which is naturally understood by Wang Anshi, so before the reform, he wrote a very touching poem “Deng Feilai Peak”. In this poem, he told it in a very sincere tone. There are many great truths in the world.
“Deng Feilai Peak”
Song Dynasty: Wang Anshi
Fei Lai Shan Qianxun Pagoda, it is said that the roosters see the rising sun.
Don’t be afraid of floating clouds to cover your eyes, and you are at the highest level.
Wang Anshi was just 30 years old when he wrote this poem. Linchuan’s hometown, so I went to climb Feilai Peak. During this period, he can be said to be proud of the spring breeze. Because Song Shenzong admired his talent very much, and the two people had the same philosophy, he began to use Wang Anshi and was ready to start a drastic reform. This poem is also one of Wang Anshi’s more representative works. The whole poem is majestic and written with charm. It is also catchy to read, and every sentence is a classic.
Although history played a big joke on Wang Anshi later, after the death of Song Shenzong, later Song Zhezong began to repeal the new law and re-enable Sima Guang and others. At this time, Wang Anshi was also disheartened. He lived alone in Jiangning and lived a leisurely and contented life. Although the past years were vigorous, but approaching his old age, Wang Anshi actually had regrets in his heart. He originally wanted to change the Northern Song Dynasty through reforms, but The helpless power is limited, and it eventually becomes a regret in life.
Let’s look back at this poem, Wang Anshi wrote it vividly and interestingly, it’s only the first two chapters. It creates a unique beauty, “Flying to the Qianxun Pagoda on the mountain, hearing the cock crows and seeing the rising sun.” These two sentences describe the feeling of climbing the mountain, and I have heard about this for a long time. There is a Qianxun Pagoda on Feilai Mountain. Standing here, you can hear the sound of chickens crowing, and you can also see the earliest sun.
The last two sentences are more sincere and full of philosophy. You are at the highest level.” Don’t be afraid that floating clouds will cover your eyes, just because you are standing at the highest level, so you must have such a responsibility. Wang Anshi clearly told the world here that a person must have responsibilities. The higher your position, the more responsible you will be. This is also the core of this poem. We can actually learn a lot from these two lines.
Wang Anshi also occupies a place in the literary world of the Northern Song Dynasty, whether it is his poetry, lyric writing, and Prose, that’s all in its own right. Therefore, he and Ouyang Xiu, Su Shi, Zeng Gong and others at that time, together with Han Yu and Liu Zongyuan of Tang poetry, were called “Eight Great Masters of Tang and Song Dynasties” by later generations. Then this song “Deng Feilai Peak” is magnificent, and it can be seen that at that time Wang Anshi started to devote himself to reform, but he was still a little worried. After all, vigorous reform is not a matter of one person.