A Chinese Biographical Dictionary/Chang Chi (張籍)

by Herbert A. Giles

26Chang Chi 張籍 (T. 文昌) 8th and 9th cent. A.D. A native of 烏江 Niao-chiang in Kiangnan, who greatly distinguished himself as a scholar and poet and was patronised by the great Han Yü, whom he even ventured to take to task for his fondness for dice. The latter in 815 recommended him for employment, and he rose to be a Tutor in the Imperial Academy. But it is by his poems that he is known; among which may be mentioned the exquisite lines under the title of 節婦吟. He was also a vigorous opponent of Buddhism and Taoism, both of which he held in much contempt. He was 80 years of age when he died.