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A Chinese Biographical Dictionary


Histories were revised, and new editions issued of the j||| § ^ jI^ , of the ^ ^jjt ^ ^ , and of the three great encydopaBdias. In 1772 search was ordered for all literary works worthy of preservation, and in 1782 was published the ]^ ^ ^ ^ i^ ^ ^ , a coUection embracing many rare works partly taken from the Tung Lo Ta Tien. The descriptiye catalogue of the Imperial library, the P!^ j^ ^ ^ )!£[ S « containing 3,460 works arranged under the four heads of Classics, History, Philosophy, and General Literature, was drawn up in 1772— 1790. It gi?es the history of each work, which is also criticised. The yastness of this catalogue led to the publication of an abridgment entitled P!9J$^#IS|I) S^i which omits all works not actually preserved in the Library. In 1795, on completing a cycle of sixty years of power, the Emperor abdicated in favour of his son; and three years later he died. Canonised as ???

365 Ch'ien Shu (T. 39^^)- ^'^' 929-988. Ninth son of ChSen Ttlan-kuan, and fifth Prince of Wu and Y^eh, to the throne of which he succeeded in 947. His personal name was originally ^ |^ Hung-shu, the character "Hung** having been introduced into the family in consequence of an inscription which promised power and a long line to some combination of an open mouth and a bow; but it was laid aside in deference to the custom of taboo in names. He continued to (^vem his Principality until 975, when he determined to hand it over to the first Emperor of the now firmly-established Sung dynasty. Proceeding to the capital, he was met by the Heir Apparent, and introduced at Court with much honour. He received a present of a sword; he was not addressed as usual by his personal name; his wife was gratified with a patent of nobility; and to crown all, he and the Heir Apparent were ordered to become sworn brothers. With

tears and prostrations he declined this honour, but up to his