How old was Zhang Xiaoxiang, a calligrapher in the Southern Song Dynasty, when he died? How did he die?

Zhang Xiaoxiang, born in A.D. 1 132, whose real name is Anguo, was born in Wujiang, Liyang, now Wujiang Town, Anhui Province. He was born in Yinxian County, Mingzhou, which is now Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, and later his family moved to Wuhu. He was a famous poet and calligrapher in the Southern Song Dynasty. His family background is unusual. He is the seventh grandson of Zhang Ji, a famous poet in Tang Dynasty. His father, Zhang Qi, used to be a judge of Zhimi Pavilion and Huainan Transit, so his life experience was quite prominent. When Zhang Xiaoxiang was born, it was the time when the Northern Song Dynasty suffered the "Jingkang Change", Song Huizong and Song Qinzong were captured by the State of Jin, and the Northern Song Dynasty perished. This year, Song Gaozong established the Southern Song Dynasty in the south, so people fled to the south on a large scale. Zhang Xiaoxiang's parents also fled to Yinxian and Mingzhou for refuge. This is the place where Zhang Xiaoxiang was born. He has lived here for thirteen years. Zhang Xiaoxiang showed his outstanding talent from an early age. According to historical records, he never forgot to read, and wrote thousands of words at an early age, so he was called a "prodigy". 1 154 took the imperial examination at the age of 23, and was chosen as the top scholar by Song Gaozong in the imperial examination. In the same year, famous poets such as Fan Chengda and Yang Wanli took part in the imperial examination.

During his career in officialdom, Zhang Xiaoxiang protested bluntly and insisted on waging war against Xu Jinguo to recapture the lost land, so he was envied by the pacifists headed by Prime Minister Qin Gui. Qin Gui also ordered his men to slander his father Zhang Qi and kill his sister-in-law with the intention of rebellion. As a result, he was also implicated in prison and tortured. Fortunately, Qin Gui died shortly before his release. In the subsequent official career, because honest and frank was resolute, he was repeatedly denounced by the court. Until 1 169, he finally got tired of his official career, resigned from all official positions and never asked about politics again. Unexpectedly, he died suddenly when he returned to his hometown in 1 170 at the age of 38. What a pity. His main works are included in Yuhu Jushi Collection.

Zhang Xiaoxiang was a famous poet and painter in the Southern Song Dynasty. He has made great achievements in poetry and calligraphy, and should be regarded as a generalist. His outstanding talent reminds us of another brilliant figure, Su Shi, a layman in Dongpo, Northern Song Dynasty. Apart from their amazing talents in poetry, Zhang Xiaoxiang and Su Shi have similarities in their life experiences: both of them have been relegated for many times, but they have never changed their ambitions. Today, let's take a look at Zhang Xiaoxiang's calligraphy achievements. Zhang Xiaoxiang's achievements in calligraphy are no less than his achievements in poetry. His calligraphy has a wide range of origins, not limited to one school, but widely absorbs the strengths of various schools and finally forms his own style. On the one hand, his calligraphy is as vigorous and powerful as Yan Zhenqing's, on the other hand, it has the characteristics of bold, handsome and tall in Mi Fei. In addition to trying to figure out the ink left by predecessors and practicing diligently, he also humbly asked Liu Cen, a calligrapher at that time, and improved his cursive level. Generally speaking, Zhang Xiaoxiang is proficient in all kinds of calligraphy fonts, especially his running script and cursive script, which are elegant and vigorous. At the same time, his calligraphy is full of masculine beauty. His calligraphy prevailed in the early Southern Song Dynasty and played a connecting role in the calligraphy circle of the two Song Dynasties.

Song Gaozong, the founding emperor of the Southern Song Dynasty, once said that his calligraphy "will definitely become famous". Song Xiaozong also appreciated his calligraphy works after his sudden death. Not only that, many calligraphers in the Southern Song Dynasty spoke highly of his works. It can be said that Zhang Xiaoxiang's achievements in calligraphy are not inferior to those of calligraphers at that time.

Zhang Xiaoxiang was a famous poet, calligrapher and patriot in the Southern Song Dynasty. When he was an official in the imperial court, he explicitly asked to fight Xu Jin. You know, most courtiers headed by Prime Minister Qin Gui advocated peace at that time. Not only that, he also boldly rehabilitated Yue Fei, a famous soldier who was executed by Qin Gui on charges of "unwarranted". His series of actions angered Qin Gui, and Qin Gui once put him in prison by despicable means. If Qin Gui hadn't died soon, he might have died in his cell. The final outcome of Zhang Xiaoxiang is also very regrettable and shocking. Zhang Xiaoxiang is a man with outstanding talents and lofty political ideals. He has always expected that he can make some achievements in officialdom. He really realized his ambition. When he was working in Fuzhou, he took the lead and fought against the rebels alone, and finally succeeded in putting down the rebellion. The local people admire and thank him very much. When he left Fuzhou, they lined up on both sides of the street to watch him leave. When he was in Pingjiang, he severely punished profiteers who oppressed the people and confiscated their granaries. In the second year of famine, he helped the victims with the grain he collected. At the time of health, he devoted himself to flood control and dealt with it decisively and properly, which showed his outstanding talent and courage.

Although he has made so many achievements, he was severely hit and relegated for many times because he always insisted on fighting back against Xu Jin and recovering lost ground. In this case, he also struggled with the country, but it didn't help to save him, so he resigned voluntarily 1 169, and never asked about political affairs again. Perhaps because of repeated condemnation, it has caused a great blow to his body and mind. 11When I returned to Wuhu in 70, I fell ill and died soon, only living for 38 years. Zhang Xiaoxiang, an official who did his best for the country and people, deserves our respect and memory. He is the pride and example of our country.