Meng Jiao lived in seclusion in Songshan in his early years. Zhenyuan paid tribute to his hometown in seven years and became a scholar in twelve years. He used to be the deputy commander of Liyang county magistrate, and resigned because he was wandering all day and neglected his official duties. He also served as a judge of land and water transportation in Henan province, and later died under his hand on the way to Xing.
Poetry achievement
He is good at the five dynasties ancient style and Yuefu, choosing words and making sentences, avoiding mediocrity and pursuing adventure. But because of learning the advantages of Yuefu folk songs, he saw simplicity in Gu Zhuo and simplicity, profundity and touching in Adventure. His poems are as famous as those of Han Yu. He is also an active supporter of Han Yu's literary thought and a representative writer of Han Meng's poetry school together with Han Yu.
Early Spring in Chang 'an, Lyrics of People in Cold Regions and Poems of Weaving Maid describe people's sufferings and reflect class oppression. Some poems also show the idea of opposing separatist wars, such as "Wounding Spring" and "Mourning for the Country".
His poems are more about expressing his pain in poverty and disease and his ambition to stick to moral integrity. Giving Charcoal to Friends, Talking about Autumn Poverty, Fifteen Autumn Poems and A Trip to Chang 'an are all masterpieces of this kind. Now there are more than 400 poems, among which Meng Dongye's poems have been handed down from generation to generation.