Su Zhe

2.1. Birth and Family

Su Zhe was born on February 20, 1039, in Meishan, Meizhou Prefecture, which is now part of Sichuan Province, specifically Dongpo District. He was the second son of the renowned scholar Su Xun and the younger brother of the celebrated poet and official Su Shi. This familial connection formed the illustrious "Three Su" literary family, a designation that recognizes their collective literary genius and profound influence on Chinese culture. Su Zhe's courtesy name was Ziyou (子由^Chinese), and he also used the courtesy name Tongshu (同叔^Chinese). In his later years, he adopted the alias Yingbin Yilao (潁濱遺老^Chinese), reflecting his life in seclusion by the Ying River.

2.2. Education and Civil Service Examination

Su Zhe's early education was primarily guided by his father, Su Xun, and he also studied under Liu Chun (劉純_{Huy Chi}^Chinese) in Meishan. He received a rigorous classical education, which prepared him for a career in public service. In 1057, at the age of 18 (or 19 by traditional East Asian age reckoning), Su Zhe achieved a significant milestone by passing the highest level of the imperial civil service examination (jinshi) alongside his elder brother, Su Shi. This achievement was a crucial prerequisite for high government office and marked the formal beginning of his public service career. He was also known for his skill in calligraphy. Su Zhe married early, at the age of 17. In 1061, he and Su Shi again passed the "Zheke" (制科) examination, but Su Zhe cited the need to care for his father as a reason to defer immediate official appointment.

3.1. Early Official Career

Following his success in the civil service examinations, Su Zhe began his official career. Initially, he was appointed as a Military Judicial Officer (商州軍事推官) in Shangzhou. However, he chose to remain in the capital to support his father, Su Xun. After his brother Su Shi returned from his post in Fengxiang Prefecture, Su Zhe then accepted an appointment as a Judicial Officer (推官) in Daming Prefecture (魏州). Later, during the reign of Emperor Shenzong, he served as a subordinate official in the Bureau of Financial Affairs (三司條例司). When Zhang Fangping was appointed as a governor in Nanjing, Su Zhe also took up a position there. These early appointments provided him with foundational experience in both local and central government administration.

3.2. Opposition to New Policies and Exile

Su Zhe became a vocal critic of Wang Anshi's New Policies, which were implemented starting in 1070 to strengthen the Northern Song dynasty. In that same year, Su Zhe submitted a letter to Emperor Shenzong, arguing against the wisdom of these reforms and asserting that fundamental laws should not be easily altered. He also directly criticized the new laws in a letter to Chancellor Wang Anshi. Emperor Shenzong summoned him for a discussion and ordered him to participate in the reform efforts. However, Su Zhe found many aspects of the policies unsuitable and again submitted a memorial criticizing them. Wang Anshi, the architect of the New Policies, was angered by Su Zhe's opposition and sought to accuse him, but Su Zhe was spared from severe punishment due to the intervention of Chen Shengzhi (陳昇之^Chinese). Nevertheless, he was transferred to a position as a Judicial Officer in Henan.

In 1073, he was reassigned as a secretary in Qizhou (modern-day Licheng County, Shandong Province). His most significant period of hardship came in 1079, when his elder brother, Su Shi, was imprisoned during the "Crow Terrace Poetry Case" (烏臺詩案^Chinese), accused of criticizing the emperor through his poetry. Deeply respecting his brother, Su Zhe bravely offered to surrender his own official position in exchange for Su Shi's freedom, demonstrating his profound loyalty and familial bond. Although his offer was not accepted, Su Zhe was implicated in the case and subsequently demoted and exiled to Junzhou (modern-day Gao'an County, Jiangxi Province), where he was tasked with overseeing salt and alcohol taxes. He was later transferred to serve as the Magistrate of Jixi County in 1084, where he implemented policies that benefited the local populace, earning their respect and praise. His principled opposition and willingness to sacrifice his own career for his brother and for what he believed was right highlight his commitment to ethical governance and his concern for the potential social and economic impact of governmental reforms on the populace.

3.3. Later Career and Rehabilitation

Following the ascension of Emperor Zhezong in 1085, the conservative "Old Party," led by Sima Guang, gained power, leading to a reversal of the New Policies. Su Zhe was recalled to the capital and appointed as Secretary of the Imperial Library (秘書省校書郎). He subsequently rose through various high-ranking positions, including Right Censor (右司諫), Attendant-in-ordinary (起居郎), Secretariat Drafter (中書舍人), Vice Minister of Revenue (戶部侍郎), and Acting Minister of Personnel (權吏部尚書) in 1089. In the same year, he was dispatched as an envoy to the Liao state (Khitan) alongside Zhao Junxi (趙君錫^Chinese). Upon his return, he was appointed Censor-in-Chief (御史中丞) and later served as Vice Minister of the Department of State Affairs (尚書右丞), eventually reaching the high office of Minister of the Palace Gate (門下侍郎), effectively holding executive power.

However, as Emperor Zhezong shifted his political stance and the New Policies faction regained influence, Su Zhe again submitted memorials opposing the changes in 1094. This led to another series of demotions and exiles, as he was sent to govern Ruzhou. He was further demoted to Grand Master for Court Discussion (朝議大夫) before reaching his next posting as Governor of Yuanzhou. His subsequent assignments took him to various remote locations, including Nanjing, Huazhou, Leizhou, Xunzhou, Yongzhou, and Yuezhou, even as Emperor Huizong ascended the throne in 1100. Under Emperor Huizong, he continued to experience political fluctuations, being reinstated as Grand Master of the Imperial Court (大中大夫), then demoted to Grand Master for Court Discussion when Cai Jing became Chancellor, before being reinstated to his former position. He was eventually appointed as the Supervisor of the Shangqing and Taiping Palaces in Fengxiang, moving to Xuzhou (許州).

3.4. Retirement and Later Life

During the Chongning era (1102-1106), Su Zhe, weary of the tumultuous political landscape, decided to retire from public service at the age of 62. He built a residence in Xuchang (modern-day Henan Province, though some sources indicate Yingchuan) near the Ying River, adopting the alias Yingbin Yilao (潁濱遺老^Chinese). He lived a peaceful life in seclusion, cutting off social ties and dedicating his final ten years to the diligent study of classics, history, and various philosophical texts. This period of quiet reflection and scholarly engagement allowed him to further refine his intellectual pursuits away from the demands of official life.

4.1. Literary Style and Major Works

Su Zhe was highly skilled in various literary forms, including prose, shi poetry, ci poetry, and fu poetry. While his poetry was often considered less impactful than that of his elder brother, Su Shi, it was praised for its magnanimity, simplicity, and tranquility, reflecting his calm and straightforward character. He was also an accomplished calligrapher.

His prose, however, was where he truly excelled, particularly in political commentaries (Celun 策論^Chinese) and historical essays. These works demonstrated his analytical approach to governance and history, often serving as a platform for his critical views on societal conditions. His style evolved throughout his life, reflecting his changing experiences:

• Early Period (before political service):** His essays were sharp and insightful, such as On the Six Fallen States (六國論^Chinese), which also shares a title with a work by his father, and About Three Kingdoms (三國論^Chinese). In About Three Kingdoms, he compared Liu Bei to Liu Bang, concluding that Liu Bei lacked wisdom and courage.
• Local Official Period:** His essays gradually shifted from pure commentary to expressing deeper emotions, with less emphasis on strict structure. He skillfully depicted scenery and characters, subtly conveying his passions.
• Return to Royal Court Period:** His essays became more practical, focusing on political reform suggestions, reflecting his continued engagement with governance.
• Later Life Period:** His final essays were shaped by his extensive reading and life experiences, embodying a mature and reflective style.

Among his significant works are:

• Luan Cheng Ji (欒城集^Chinese), an extensive collection of his writings, comprising 84 volumes.
• Hou Ji (後集^Chinese) and San Ji (三集^Chinese), supplementary collections.
• Ying Zhao Ji (應詔集^Chinese), a collection of his responses to imperial decrees.
• Shi Ji Zhuan (詩集傳^Chinese), a commentary on the Classic of Poetry.
• Chun Qiu Jie Ji (春秋集解^Chinese), an interpretation of the Spring and Autumn Annals.
• Lunyu Shiyi (論語拾遺^Chinese), a collection of his insights on the Analects of Confucius.
• Mengzi Jie (孟子解^Chinese), an interpretation of Mencius.
• Gushi (古史^Chinese), a historical work.
• Longchuan Luezhi (龍川略志^Chinese) and Bie Zhi (別志^Chinese), historical notes.
• Daodejing Jie (道德經解^Chinese), an interpretation of the Tao Te Ching.
• Xinlun (新論^Chinese), where he commented on societal issues, stating, "In today's society, good government does not necessarily lead to peace and chaos does not necessarily lead to crisis. When the rules organizing things are inconsistently or incompletely applied, even if it doesn't end in a revolution there will be severe social problems."
• Letter to Emperor, in which he famously wrote, "The most urgent thing nowadays is lack of money" (今世之患,莫急于無財^Chinese), highlighting his concern for the economic well-being of the populace.
• He also penned a lengthy epitaph for his deceased elder brother, Epitaph for Deceased Elder Brother Zizhan Duanming (亡兄子瞻端明墓誌銘^Chinese).

4.2. Intellectual and Philosophical Influences

Su Zhe's intellectual framework was deeply rooted in Confucianism, a philosophy that emphasized moral cultivation, social harmony, and good governance. He particularly admired Mencius, whose teachings on the inherent goodness of human nature and the importance of benevolent rule resonated strongly with Su Zhe's own views on ethical leadership and social justice. He believed that understanding and addressing the fundamental problems of society required drawing lessons from the experiences of predecessors, reflecting his patriotic stance and desire to improve his country.

Central to Su Zhe's literary theory was the concept of Qi (氣^Chinese), or vital energy. He believed that literary works were a manifestation of Qi, stating, "Writing is the form of Qi. However, writing cannot be learned, but Qi can be cultivated and attained" (文者, 气之所形.然文不可以学而能, 气可以养而致.^Chinese). In his view, Qi was the essential element for producing great literature. He argued that this vital energy could be cultivated not only through internal development but also through extensive life experiences, which would enrich one's perspective and expression. This theory underscored his belief in the integration of personal cultivation with a deep understanding of society and ethical considerations, influencing his analytical approach to both politics and literature.

5.1. Status as one of the Eight Masters of Tang and Song

Su Zhe holds a distinguished position as one of the "Eight Great Men of Letters of the Tang and Song Dynasties" (唐宋八大家^Chinese), an honor he shares with his father, Su Xun, and his elder brother, Su Shi. This recognition underscores his profound literary importance and his lasting influence on the development of Chinese prose. The "Three Su" (三蘇^Chinese) are particularly celebrated for their contributions to the literary revival of the Song dynasty, advocating for a return to classical prose styles that were clear, concise, and morally purposeful. The Sansu Temple, the former residence of the Su family in Meishan, was rebuilt into the Sansu Museum in 1984, becoming a notable cultural attraction that preserves their legacy.

5.2. Historical and Literary Assessment

Su Zhe is highly regarded as both a politician and an essayist. While some contemporaries, including his brother Su Shi, noted that Su Zhe's literary talent might have been slightly less versatile in certain aspects compared to Su Shi's, Su Shi himself acknowledged the profound and enduring quality of Su Zhe's essays. Su Zhe's expertise in political commentary and historical essays, particularly his Celun, granted him a special status in the Song dynasty. Like his father and brother, he used his historical essays to critique social conditions and draw the emperor's attention to the need for a better environment for societal development.

His political career, marked by his steadfast opposition to Wang Anshi's New Policies, highlights his integrity and commitment to what he perceived as the public good. His arguments against the reforms, rooted in concerns about their potential negative social and economic impact on the populace, reflect a perspective that valued stable governance and the welfare of the people. Later generations have evaluated his critical perspectives on governance and social equity as significant contributions to Chinese intellectual history. His life, characterized by periods of both high office and exile, demonstrates a consistent adherence to his principles, even when it led to personal hardship. Su Zhe's works are seen as reflecting a deep engagement with Confucian ideals, particularly his admiration for Mencius, and his belief in the importance of moral leadership and practical governance. His enduring influence lies not only in his literary output but also in his example as a scholar-official who prioritized ethical considerations and the well-being of society. One of his descendants, Su Xuelin, was a famous essayist and novelist in modern China.