Yan Shu

Yan Shu (Chinese: 晏殊; pinyin: Yàn Shū; Wade–Giles: Yen Shu, 991–1055), courtesy name Tongshu (同叔), was a Chinese poet, politician, calligrapher, and essayist of the northern Song dynasty. He was given the posthumous title of Yuanxian (元獻) as well as bestowed the title of Duke of Linzi. Yan Shu was born in modern-day Linchuan District of Fuzhou, Jiangxi. He was considered a child prodigy and, at the age of 14, passed the imperial examinations. He had a long official career at central court and at regional posts, serving two emperors including Zhenzong and Renzong. He was a mentor and patron for younger generation of scholar officials and played a pivotal role in the Qingli reforms. During his lifetime, Yan Shu composed over 10,000 ci poems, though most have been lost. Of the surviving works, the Pearl Jade (珠玉詞), which contains 136 remaining poems, is considered to be one of his most notable works. Other extant works include portions of The Lasting Writings of Yuanxian (晏元獻遺文) and The Categories (類要). Along with Ouyang Xiu, he was collectively referred to as "Yan-Ou" in recognition to their shared contributions to the ci genre. He was a scholar of the Hanlin Academy. He served as prime minister to Emperor Renzong during the Qingli Reforms and played a pivotal rule in this political movement.