Chen Liang

Also known as Zi Tongfu · Hao Longchuan · Longchuan Xiansheng · Wen Yi

Chen Liang, courtesy name Tongfu and originally named Runeng, came from Yongkang in Wuzhou, and scholars called him Master Longchuan. In 1169 he submitted five essays on restoring the dynasty, urging preparation for war to recover the north. In 1178 he went to Lin'an and petitioned Emperor Xiaozong three times on the same theme, without effect. Several times false accusations by neighbours landed him in prison, and from 1184 he exchanged letters with Zhu Xi, arguing over whether the achievements of the Han and Tang rulers counted as true kingship. In 1188 he visited Xin Qiji at Shangrao, and the two traded lyrics to the tune He xinlang; Xin also wrote a famous Po zhenzi addressed to him. In 1193 he took first place in the palace examination and was appointed to a post at Jiankang, but he died the next year before taking it up. He later received the posthumous name Wenyi, and his writings survive as the Longchuan wenji and Longchuan ci.