Du Fu lived in the historical period when the Tang Dynasty turned from prosperity to decline. Du Fu was born in a family that had been "confucian and official" for generations, and his family was profoundly educated. Early works mainly expressed ideals, ambitions and expected life paths. On the other hand, it expresses his political ideal of "serving the kings, Yao and Shun, and then making customs pure." During this period, many of his works reflected the suffering of the people and political turmoil at that time, and exposed the ugly behavior of the rulers. From then on, he embarked on a life of worrying about the country and the people. and creative path. As Tang Xuanzong's politics became increasingly corrupt in his later years, his life fell into poverty and despair day by day. In a life of ups and downs.
In the sixth year of Tianbao's reign, Xuanzong ordered those who were "proficient in one art" to go to Chang'an to take the exam, and Du Fu also took part in the exam. Because Li Linfu, the powerful prime minister, directed a farce of "no wild virtuous people", all the scholars who took the exam failed. Since the road to the imperial examination was not feasible, in order to realize his political ideals, Du Fu had to switch to the door of the powerful, and gave gifts to officials, etc., but to no avail. He lived in Chang'an for ten years, traveling around to give gifts, but he was depressed, frustrated in his official career, and lived a life of poverty. "He failed to win the imperial examination and was trapped in Chang'an"[10].
In the first month of the tenth year of Tianbao, Xuanzong will hold three grand ceremonies to worship Taiqing Palace, Taimiao Temple and Heaven and Earth. Du Fu then pre-dedicated three "Great Gifts" in the winter of the ninth year of Tianbao, which was appreciated by Xuanzong and ordered to be made. In Jixian Yuan, however, he was only qualified to "participate in the selection process" and was waiting for assignment. Because the examiner was still Li Linfu, he did not get an official position.
In the fourteenth year of Tianbao, Du Fu was awarded a small official like Hexi Lieutenant. However, Du Fu was unwilling to take this official position. Fubing Cao can join the army (low-level official position, responsible for guarding armor, weapons, staffs, and managing door locks and keys). Du Fu was already forty-four years old and had been in Chang'an for more than ten years. To make a living, he accepted this useless position. In November, Du Fu went to Fengxian to visit his family. As soon as Du Fu entered the house, he heard crying. It turned out that his youngest son had died of hunger.
Based on his ten-year experience in Chang'an and what he saw along the way, he wrote the famous "Five Hundred Words of Empathy from Beijing to Fengxian County"