His life has experienced the changes of Song and Yuan Dynasties, both as an official and a recluse, which can be roughly divided into the following six stages:
1. Puberty (one to thirty-three). Zhao Mengfu's adolescence was spent in ups and downs. Although he is a nobleman, he was born at the wrong time. At that time, the Southern Song Dynasty was like a building about to collapse. His father, Zhao, from his official position to the assistant minister of real estate, knew that Lin 'an House was the envoy of western Zhejiang, and he was good at poetry and rich in books, which gave Zhao Mengfu a good cultural influence. However, when Zhao Mengfu was eleven, his father died and his family went from bad to worse. He was the seventh of the brothers and was born to Qiu, who had a lower position in the feudal family. Although Zhao Mengfu joined the army in Ren Zhen (now Zhenjiang, Jiangsu) with his father's shadow as an adult, he didn't even wear this humble black hat for long, and he was lost with the demise of the Southern Song Dynasty. At the age of 23, he was at the height of his ambition, but he lived in a house and did nothing.
Fortunately, Zhao Mengfu's mother has a good eye. She tearfully said to Zhao Mengfu, "You are an unmarried woman. After your father died, regime change changed you. The conditions are very poor, and your life is very difficult. After the reunification of the Yuan Dynasty, talents were definitely needed. You have to fight for breath and study hard to get ahead and be used by the court. Otherwise, our mother and son really have no future! " With his mother's encouragement, Zhao Mengfu learned the classics and history from the local famous Confucian scholar Aoji, and learned painting from Qian Xuan. After ten years' hard work, he made great progress in knowledge, and became one of the "eight handsome men in Xing Wu", which was well-known and reached the imperial court.
At that time, ethnic contradictions and class contradictions were quite acute, especially in Jiangnan, the hometown of the Southern Song Dynasty, where intellectuals' anti-meta-sentiment was extremely fierce. Kublai Khan accepted Cheng Wenhai's suggestion and asked him to look for famous intellectuals in the south of the Yangtze River, and entrusted them with official positions, so as to win over the Han intellectuals in the south of the Yangtze River, ease contradictions and stabilize the people's hearts. Zhao Mengfu, a learned descendant of the Song Dynasty, naturally became the focus of the Yuan Dynasty. Although he repeatedly refused to be recruited by local officials and even fled to other places, this time it was Cheng Wenhai, an elegant official of the Han nationality, who was ordered to invite him to Beijing, but his kindness was hard to refuse. At this time, he has lived in seclusion for many years, trapped by life, and has the desire to display his ambitions. So I bid farewell to my wife and children and embarked on a journey to the north.
Second, when the Yuan Dynasty became an official and was in charge of Jinan Prefecture (aged 33 to 4 1 year). When he first arrived in Beijing, Zhao Mengfu was immediately received by Yuan Shizu. Yuan Shizu praised his talent and appearance, exclaimed that he was a "fairy middleman" and gave him various courtesy. Zhao Mengfu was flattered and wrote a letter to his ancestors, which was brilliant. Participate in the discussion of money law, solicit opinions from others, and opinions are rising; When discussing the merits and demerits of the monarch and ministers in the Southern Song Dynasty, he wrote a poem: "Forget the past, and report loyalty to the emperor." All these make Yuan Shizu feel satisfied. Zhao Mengfu is also full of confidence and hope for his future. He wrote in the poem "The First Arrival is Everything": "The sea is full of spring and willows, and Penglai Palace is surrounded by five clouds. I have been in the rivers and lakes for half my life and have a dream today. "
However, Zhao Mengfu was so happy that his favor caused the envy of many Mongolian ministers. Besides, Yuan Shizu's special courtesy is only out of political need, and it is not sincere. Zhao Mengfu was appointed as a doctor of the Ministry of War from the rank of Wupin, and was appointed as a bachelor of Ji Xian from the rank of Wupin two years later, which was just a kind of idleness as a literary attendant.
Although his beloved wife, Guan Daosheng, also came to the north and the family was reunited, Zhao Mengfu's dream of being an official was shattered. He was distressed by the suspicion of the Yuan court, and felt guilty for not keeping good faith and having a negative ancestor. What's more, this time, he has been reluctant to advance and retreat. His poem "Sin Out" said: "In the mountains, it is far-reaching, and out of the mountains, it is grass. As the old saying goes, it is not early to see things. " "Yesterday was a seagull on the water, but now it's like a caged bird. Whoever mourns and looks back, Mao Yu will destroy it every day. " "Sorrow is deep, South Cloud is broken. Crying and crying is very Taiwan, how to tell Joan Hao! "
With the aging of Yuan Shizu, the political situation of the royal family is unpredictable. As an imperial clan in the Song Dynasty, Zhao Mengfu knew that the wave of Beijing officials was sinister. He once said that "tigers and leopards crow in the Tao, and bears fly in the air." I scream in front of ghosts, and I cry behind them. In order to avoid right and wrong and strange disasters, Zhao Mengfu worked hard to be an official, and finally became the general manager of Jinan Road in the 29th year of Zhiyuan (1292). Before he left, he wrote a poem "Ode to the adherents" and compared himself to Lv Zhonglian, who was "not rewarded for his achievements" and "disheveled" in ancient times. Zhao Mengfu's six years in metropolis (now Beijing) did not realize his political ambition. Instead, I saw a lot of ugliness and darkness in the ruling clique of the Yuan Dynasty and was disappointed with the government of the Yuan Dynasty. "Empty ChanXin in wei que, and with ten jizhou. When I am free, I am jealous of the sand heron and fly around freely. " This is his heart. But in most places, Zhao Mengfu saw the paintings of Wang Wei, Li Sixun and others in the Tang Dynasty, and the wind of "retro" came into being, which was an unexpected gain outside his official career.
When Zhao Mengfu was the general manager of Jinan Road, he tried his best to be a good official. He rehabilitated unjust imprisonment, set up a school, and served people with virtue. However, it was slandered by Mongolian officials and was in a dilemma.
In Zhenyuan year (1295), due to the death of sai-jo, Emperor Chengzong needed to compile A Record of sai-jo, and Zhao Mengfu was recalled to Beijing. However, there are many internal contradictions, and it is also a big controversy for Cheng whether he can enter the History Museum. Therefore, Zhao Mengfu, who had self-knowledge, asked for help from his illness, and finally had to return to his hometown of Xing Wu after a long absence at the turn of summer and autumn.
Third, the period of sick leave in Jiangnan (42 to 46 years old). Ten years of official tour, Zhao Mengfu retired with his family, raising eyebrows among young and old. However, Zhou Mi (Gong Jin), a poet and collector, is considerate and deeply moved. Therefore, Zhao Mengfu wrote a poem about the second rhyme of Zhou Gongjin, which not only showed homesickness, but also expressed his considerate gratitude. Zhao Mengfu also showed a careful appreciation of the calligraphy and painting antiques he bought in the north, told the Shandong adherents about the escape and beauty of Jinan mountains and rivers, and drew the famous "Quehua Autumn Color Map" for him (Figure 4).
Zhao Mengfu lived in the south of the Yangtze River for four years. His leisure is attached to landscapes, poems, calligraphy and painting, and he feels quite comfortable. He often goes to Hangzhou with beautiful scenery and rich humanities, and meets with talents such as Xian Yushu, Chou Yuan, Dai and Deng at the West Lake to talk about art and art. Sometimes I live in seclusion in Deqing, Guan Furen's hometown, enjoy cultural relics and paintings in Yanglintang at the foot of Dongheng Mountain, read excellent works of predecessors, listen to birds at sunrise and watch twilight at sunset, and live a quiet life without competition.
In the past four years, Zhao Mengfu's artistic accomplishment and painting and calligraphy skills have increased day by day after he got rid of the turmoil in officialdom temporarily. Based on the ancient paintings of Tang Dynasty and Northern Song Dynasty, he wrote landscapes, painted figures, made flowers and birds, and painted pommel horses for his friends to express his sense of freedom and interest. He is a Buddhist monk, observing calligraphy seal, official script, calligraphy seal, calligraphy lines and calligraphy cursive script. Calligraphy script is the brushwork of Rainbow Xizhi. Like a flower dancing in the wind, the clouds are full of vitality. He also edited "Notes on Ancient Books and Modern Prose Collection" and compiled his own poems over the years into "Song Xuezhai Poems Collection". Dai Biaoyuan commented: "The ancient fu is sharp and swift, between Chu and Han; Ancient poetry is full of Bao and Xie; Please do it yourself. You are still proud of Gao Shi and Li Aoyun. "Although the court once appointed him as the magistrate of Fenzhou, Taiyuan Road, Zhao Mengfu had no interest in his post after he left home. He didn't go to the office after pleading. I was just called to Beijing to write Tibetan scriptures, resigned from Hanyuan after completing the task and quietly returned to the south.
4. During the period of promoting Confucianism in Jiangsu and Zhejiang (46 to 56 years old). In the third year of Dade (1299), Zhao Mengfu was appointed as a straight bachelor in Jixian County to promote Confucianism in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Although his official position has not been promoted, he does not need to leave Jiangnan. "All localities, prefectures and counties unify schools, offer sacrifices, educate money and grain, and take exams in schools" (see "Hundred Officials in Yuan Dynasty"), which is closely related to cultural circles.
Being an official culture in Jiangsu and Zhejiang undoubtedly added many advantages to the development of Zhao Mengfu's painting, calligraphy and poetry skills. In his spare time, he made friends with scholars, painters and cultural relics collectors, and traveled all over Jiashan Xiushui, Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and his creation entered its heyday. His popularity among Jiangnan cultural people also increased with the popularization of Confucianism. Many people attached themselves to his door, seeking advice and art, and Zhao Mengfu became the leader of Jiangnan literati. Although Yuan Ting didn't value him and didn't get promoted for many years, Zhao Mengfu enjoyed it. He painted books and erected monuments for the people of the three religions, promoted Confucianism, inscribed ancient paintings, visited cultural relics, and wrote elegant poems and wine, which was full of interest. Scholars from all over the world come to Zhejiang and are proud to visit our home and get to know Zhao Mengfu.
5. Time to go to Beijing again (57 to 65 years old). In the third year (13 10), Zhao Mengfu's fate changed. The Crown Prince likes Ba Li Ba Li Bada very much and is very interested in him. Ai Yu Baliren Li Bada is a Mongolian deeply influenced by China culture, and he also knows the martial arts. He likes literature and art very much, and he wants to "decorate the beauty of peace" with "profound knowledge of literature and art" Although he was not in power yet, he suggested that the imperial court invite artists from all over the world to Beijing to sing hymns and influence the world. Zhao Mengfu naturally became a candidate for recruitment.
This winter, Mr. and Mrs. Zhao came to Beijing, and Zhao Mengfu took Hanlin as a bachelor and studied national history together. They get along with talents such as Shang Qi, Wang Zhenpeng and Yuan Mingshan, and the attendants are around the Crown Prince, talking about Confucian literature and art, which is quite comfortable. In May of the following year, Ai Yu Ba Li Li Bada acceded to the throne as Injong. Shortly after he acceded to the throne, he immediately promoted Zhao Mengfu from a second-class sage to a bachelor's degree and a doctor's degree, and was also named Mrs. Wu.
In the first year of Qingyuan (13 12), Renzong also presented a ceremony to Zhao Mengfu's father and ancestors, and "granted" Zhao Mengfu permission to return to the national monument to repair the ancestors' tombs. At the same time, his wife Guan Daosheng also went home to build the "Guan Gong Xiao Si Corridor Courtyard".
After three years' delay (13 16), Yuan Renzong promoted Zhao Mengfu to be a bachelor and doctor of Hanlin, Rong Lu, who was a top official and "pushed for three generations"; Also known as "Mrs. Wei". At this point, Zhao's political status reached the peak of his life. Yuan Renzong compared him to Li Bai in the Tang Dynasty and Su Shi in the Song Dynasty, saying that he was "well-educated, well-read and not as good as others in painting and calligraphy" (see Yuan Shi), and repeatedly gave money and valuable fur to show his favor. Some Mongolian officials don't understand Renzong's intention of promoting Zhao Mengfu to ease ethnic conflicts, and as a result, they are often reprimanded by Renzong.
Due to Injong's favor and Zhao's outstanding art, Zhao Mengfu became famous in his later years and has been moving around the emperor. His wife also frequented the palace and became a guest of the Queen. Zhao's proteges, such as Yang Zai, Tang Di and Zhu Derun. , also on his recommendation, he went on to become an official in Beijing. Many northern painters with high political status, including Semir, Gao, Kanglizishan and other Mongolian painters, have contacts with him. Some young painters, such as Huang, Ke, also worship him. Foreign envoys and monks are proud to get it from Zhao.
Although Zhao Mengfu is the home of an official, he still has to write a lot of books, watches, scrolls, epitaphs, inscriptions and eulogies in person, and he is busy with daily painting and calligraphy, so he has little leisure. He felt deeply about his double situation and asked himself, and he couldn't help feeling sad from it. He once wrote the poem "Self-policing" and said, "I am always ashamed of everything in my life. Only the feelings of pen and ink are still there, leaving it to the world as a joke. "
Zhao Mengfu, who died in the imperial clan of the Song Dynasty, thought that he was at the mercy of the Yuan Dynasty politically and became a "vase". He did something against his will and had no choice, perhaps not understood by his contemporaries, so he was ashamed of his ambivalence. But in art, through his efforts, his poems, paintings and calligraphy can be handed down to future generations, which is quite masturbating. Guan Daosheng also feels that her husband's busy and servile state is very boring. He once wrote several fisherman's words to persuade him to go home. One said, "Life is expensive as a vassal, but fame and fortune are not free. It's like a boat, I want to go home and rest! "
After five years' delay (13 18), beriberi recurred in Guan Furen. After repeated requests by Zhao Mengfu, he was allowed to send his wife back to the south in April of the following year. In mid-May, when passing by Linqing, Shandong Province, Guan Furen died on the boat. Zhao Mengfu was very sad. The death of Guan Furen, who fell in love with him, gave Zhao Mengfu a great blow, and his official reputation was thoroughly seen through.
Sixth, home-based care for the elderly (66 to 69 years old). In his later years, Zhao Mengfu's health declined sharply due to the loss of his spouse, long journey and funeral. In the seventh year of Yanyou, special envoy Injong gave Zhao Mengfu clothes and satin and called him back to Beijing, but at this time, Zhao Mengfu could not travel long distances due to illness. The following year, Yingzong acceded to the throne, and once again sent an envoy to Zhao to write the Book of Filial Piety. Zhao Yinian was weak and asked to be an official, which was finally accepted by the court. At this time, Zhao Mengfu was dizzy and tinnitus, and he was getting old. However, he took Buddhism and Taoism as his purpose, and took pleasure in writing scriptures, and wrote many paintings and inscriptions. He believes that "no one dies, such as empty and brilliant", so he spends it in plain. In June (1322), he died in Xing Wu. Read and write when you die, laughing as usual. At the age of 69.
A generation of painters and painters experienced a complicated and brilliant life and finally rested in peace. After Zhao Mengfu's death, his son Zhao Yong and others buried him with Guan Furen in the southeast of Yanglintang, Donghengshan, Qian Qiu Township, Deqing County.
Shunshun three years (1332), Yuan government posthumously awarded him as Rong Lu, a doctor in Jiangsu and Zhejiang province, and posthumously awarded Wei Guogong and Shi. In the 5th year of Yuan Dynasty (1339), Zhao Yong collected his poetry anthology Song Xuezhai in Fu Zi.