Fan Zhongyan

Fan Zhongyan
范仲淹
A block print portrait from Sancai Tuhui (1609)
Chancellor of the Song dynasty
In office
1043–1045
MonarchEmperor Renzong
Personal details
Born5 September 989
Wu County, Su Prefecture, Northern Song
Died(1052-06-19)19 June 1052
Xu Prefecture, Northern Song
Resting placeYichuan County, Henan, China
34°29′32″N 112°32′53″E / 34.49222°N 112.54806°E / 34.49222; 112.54806
SpouseLady Peng (彭氏)
Children
  • Fan Chunyou (范純祐)
  • Fan Chunren (范純仁)
  • Fan Chunli (范純禮)
  • Fan Chuncui (范純粹)
  • 3 daughters
Parents
  • Fan Yong (范墉) (father)
  • Lady Xie (謝氏) (mother)
Posthumous name
Fan Zhongyan
Chinese
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinFàn Zhòngyān
Wade–GilesFan4 Chung4-yen1
Zhu Yue
Traditional Chinese
Simplified Chinese
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinZhū Yuè
Fan Xiwen / Zhu Xiwen
Chinese /
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinFàn Xīwén / Zhū Xīwén

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 minister or chancellor by Emperor Renzong to lead the Qingli reforms.[2] Fan's philosophical, educational and political contributions continue to be influential to this day, and his writings remain a core component of the Chinese literary canon. 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 was a respected Confucian scholar and one of the most prominent members of the Fan family.[4]

  1. ^ Zhang 2016, p. 193.
  2. ^ "范仲淹年谱" [A Chronicle of Fan Zhongyan]. 中国范仲淹研究会 (China Institute of Fan Zhongyan Research). Retrieved 2024-10-03.
  3. ^ Pines, Yuri (2012). The Everlasting Empire: The Political Culture of Ancient China and Its Imperial Legacy. Princeton: Princeton University Press. p. 76. ISBN 9780691134956.
  4. ^ "Fan Zhongyan | Song Dynasty, Neo-Confucianism, Reforms | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 2023-09-05. Retrieved 2023-09-29.