Jian'an is the reign name of Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, from 196 to 220 AD. The political power during this period was completely in the hands of Cao Cao. Therefore, the literary leaders at that time were all Cao family figures. Most of the seven famous poets of Jian'an died during the Jian'an period, so the literature of this period is called Jian'an literature.
The Jian'an period in literary history lasted about fifty years from the Yellow Turban Uprising to the early and late years of Emperor Jing of Wei and Ming Dynasties. At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, when all the heroes competed for annexation in the Central Plains, Cao Cao completed the great cause of unifying the north and attracted a large number of scribes, forming the Ye literati group with Cao and his son as the core. Jian'an poetry is the product of the historical period when society moved from division and turbulence to unity. The characteristics of the times of "the world is in chaos, the customs are declining, and the customs are resentful". The Jian'an literati's broad mind, lofty ambitions to pursue ideals, positive and free attitude towards life, and their straightforward, simple and vigorous lyrical style formed the unique characteristics of Jian'an poetry. The outline is energetic, generous and sad. It created a new situation for Chinese poetry and established the poetic aesthetic style of "Jian'an style". The Jian'an period was a period of self-consciousness in literature. In addition to social roles and obligations, people reflected in Jian'an literature also had personal interests and hobbies. In addition to public social life, they also had private daily life. Jian'an literature is literature that fully displays individual life. It fully displays the great spirit of life and has lasting charm and value. Let’s talk about the life spirit embodied in Jian’an literature from three aspects: sentimental spirit, free spirit and literary creative spirit. After the restoration of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Cao Cao formulated the policy of "defining martial arts externally and promoting literature internally". While Cao Cao eliminated various separatist forces one by one, eliminated wars, and implemented a series of measures to enrich the country and strengthen the army, he also practiced it and actively led the development of literary undertakings. According to the scriptures, when one climbs high one must compose poems, compose new poems, and when orchestrated, they all become music.” His sons Cao Pi, Cao Zhi, and the seven Jian'an sons who followed them: Kong Rong (who only had different political views with Cao Cao), Wang Can, Chen Lin, Xu Qian, Ruan Yu, Ying Tuan, Liu Zhen and one or twenty literati He also imitated Cao Cao and actively worked hard to create. During the Jian'an period, poetry, poetry, and articles all made great progress, especially poetry, which formed the first climax of literati poetry creation in the history of Chinese literature. It made Han Yuefu poetry fully mature, five-character poetry developed, and seven-character poetry. The body was created from then on. Cao Cao also took the lead in breaking through the confinement of Confucianism, breaking the popular parallel prose format at the time, and adopting Tongtuo's style of writing. The literati who followed him also responded positively. In the north, not only did a flourishing literature emerge, but the style of writing of a generation was transformed. The literature of this period is called "Jian'an Literature". Jian'an literature made significant contributions to promoting the political, economic, and cultural development of the Chinese nation, and especially had a profound impact on subsequent cultural development.
Jian'an Three Cao