Fan Zhongyan 范仲淹 | |
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![]() A block print portrait from Sancai Tuhui (1609) | |
Chancellor of the Song dynasty | |
In office 1043–1045 | |
Monarch | Emperor Renzong |
Personal details | |
Born | 5 September 989 Wu County, Su Prefecture, Northern Song |
Died | 19 June 1052 Xu Prefecture, Northern Song | (aged 62)
Resting place | Yichuan County, Henan, China 34°29′32″N 112°32′53″E / 34.49222°N 112.54806°E |
Spouse | Lady Peng (彭氏) |
Children |
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Parents |
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Posthumous name | |
Fan Zhongyan | |||||||||
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Chinese | 范仲淹 | ||||||||
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Zhu Yue | |||||||||
Traditional Chinese | 朱說 | ||||||||
Simplified Chinese | 朱说 | ||||||||
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Fan Xiwen / Zhu Xiwen | |||||||||
Chinese | 范希文 / 朱希文 | ||||||||
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Fan Zhongyan (5 September 989 – 19 June 1052), courtesy name Xiwen (希文), was an accomplished statesman, writer, scholar, and reformer of the northern Song dynasty.[1] After serving multiple regional posts and at the imperial court for over two decades, Fan was appointed as a vice chancellor by Emperor Renzong to lead the Qingli reforms.[2] His attitude towards official service is encapsulated by his oft-quoted line on the proper attitude of scholar-officials: "They were the first to worry the worries of all-under-Heaven, and the last to enjoy its joys".[3] Fan's philosophical, educational and political contributions were exemplar of a Confucian scholar dedicated to public service. He was considered a mentor and leader of the lettered class and a pilot in political reforms. He advocated for the classical prose movement and is well-known for his ci poetry. He elevated the charitable family estate to an important institution promoting social welfare at the community level.