761 Hsü Chieh (T. ^ ^>. A.D. 1494-1574. A native of 3^ iS^ Haa-t'ing in Eiangsu, who graduated third at the Palace examination of 1523, and served in the Han-lin College until in 1530 his objection to lower the title of (Tonfucius led to his dismissal to a provincial Prefecture. By 1550 he had risen to be President of the Board of Rites, and was consulted when Anda laid siege to Peking. He brought about the death of Gh'ou Luan, and the dismissal of Ten Sung in 1562. He also took vigorous measures of defence against the Japanese raiders. His constant demand for the appointment of an Heir Apparent was at last successful; and he was also able to restrain the Emperor's extravagance in building temples and palaces, and to punish the quacks who pretended to have discovered the elixir of life. On the accession of the Emperor Mu Tsuog in 1566, Hsfi procured the issue of a general amnesty and promise of reforms; but the Emperor g^w weary of his discussions, and the eunuchs also hated him. He retired in 1568. Canonised as ^^.
762
Hsü Ch'ieh (T. ^ ^). A.D. 920-974. Author of the
§^ ^ 1^ ^, an annotated edition of the Shuo WSn^ which is
still regarded as of high authority, especially as embodying the
true archaic meaning of many words the signification of which
was afterwards wilfully altered by the schoolmen of the 13th
century. Popularly known as /|^ ^ the Younger EbQ, to
distinguish him from his brother Hsti Hsdan.
763
Hsü Chien ()- ^D- 659-729. A native of
jlj^ Hu-chou in Chehkiang, who distinguished himself as a writer
and o£Scial under the Tang dynasty. He assisted Chang TiLeh in
editing the ^ ^ ^ ^ , and was a member of the Historical
Commission. Author of the ^ <^ ^ « a Gwde to Knowledge for
beginners. Canonised as ^ ^ .
764