🔎【Public Lecture｜Open to All】Qian Mu's Former Residence, Su Shu Lou Lecture Hall – Historical Biographies and Life Series: "Even Dead Ashes Can Reignite: The Biography of Han Changru", by Professor Jiang Yitai, January 17, 2016
🚪Registration website: AnyDoor (Welcome to register and reserve your seat / On-site and online registration are both available):
https://www.beclass.com/rid=3050257694a1460a8ef5
Even if readers are not familiar with the name Han Changru, they will certainly recognize the idiom "to reignite a dying ember." This idiom originates from Han Changru's own experience. When he had fallen from power and was being humiliated by a prison guard in jail, he used this idiom to advise him. However, he only received a merciless taunt from the guard: "If this dying ember reignites, I'll piss on it and put it out."
Han Changru was remarkably adept at shedding tears. As a strategist, this was undoubtedly a valuable talent. When King Xiao of Liang angered Emperor Jing by overstepping his bounds, and his envoy was refused entry by the Empress Dowager, he wept for Princess Guantao. When the state of Liang harbored a wanted criminal, threatening imminent disaster, he tearfully remonstrated with the King of Liang. His tears repeatedly quelled political disputes within the Han court. However, this renowned minister's political career extended far beyond this; he was a man of both literary and military prowess, serving as both general and prime minister. When the Rebellion of the Seven States broke out, he led troops to defend the border, preventing the Wu army from advancing eastward, thus gaining fame in one battle. In his later years, he guarded the frontier, fighting against the Xiongnu. Throughout this period, he served as a key civil official in both the vassal states and the central government. During the reign of Marquis Wu'an, he served as Grand Secretary, a position second only to the prime minister.
According to Sima Qian's records, Han Changru was a complex and unique individual. He could use his wisdom to resolve fratricide and even the Han-Xiongnu war; yet he was also greedy for money, flattered the powerful, and bribed the imperial relatives. When offering advice, he often catered to the prevailing circumstances, but his true intentions were out of loyalty and integrity; he used his position to promote many people, but those he recommended were all honest and upright individuals, more capable than himself.
In the latest lecture series at Qian Mu's former residence, Professor Jiang Yitai will guide us to temporarily set aside our admiration for heroes and instead explore the seemingly uneventful yet thought-provoking fate of an official, examining the simultaneous brilliance and flaws of his character. It's worth noting that Han Changru, not long after leaving prison, was appointed the highest official in the prefecture. He immediately confronted the jailer who had threatened to urinate on him. To find out what happened after this resurgence, we invite you to join Professor Jiang Yitai in reading "The Biography of Han Changru"!
📆Lecture Time: January 17th, 2016 (Saturday), 14:10 – 16:00
🏡Lecture Location:
Room C508, 5F, Qinpu Building, Boai Campus, Taipei City University (No. 1, Aiguo West Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City)
"Qian Mu's Former Residence - Open Course Channel" (Live Online Broadcast)
https://www.youtube.com/@chienmu.house.classroom
👨🏫Lecture Speaker: Professor Jiang Yitai, PhD in Chinese Literature from National Taiwan University, currently teaches at the Department of Chinese Literature at National Taiwan University and the Department of Languages at Taipei Municipal University. He follows the strict rules of the Spring and Autumn Annals within the Faculty of Arts, yet also enjoys exploring the intersection of history and literature. While observing worldly affairs with the sharp eye of Sima Qian, he most admires the passion and romanticism of humanity for its ideals. He transforms classical Chinese texts into stories of human nature observation, always able to find familiar souls in the yellowed pages that resonate with modern readers.
🔔Lecture Fee: Free admission
🚀Online lecture information:
After the lecture begins, the live stream link will be announced on the "Qian Mu's Former Residence YouTube Channel" and the "Qian Mu's Former Residence Facebook Fan Page". Feel free to leave comments and participate in the discussion!
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# Records of the Grand Historian # Biography of Han Changru
# Han Changru # Han Anguo
# Emperor Wu of Han # Princess Guantao
# Emperor Jing of Han # King Xiao of Liang
# Sima Qian # Historian's Writing Style
# Western Han Politics # The Plot at Mayi
# Jiang Yitai # Su Shulou Lecture Hall
# Public Lectures # Free Lectures
# Online Courses # Online Lectures
# Humanity # History # Qian Mu's Former Residence
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🔎【Public Lecture｜Open to All】Qian Mu's Former Residence, Su Shu Lou Lecture Hall – Historical Biographies and Life Series: "Even Dead Ashes Can Reignite: The Biography of Han Changru", by Professor Jiang Yitai, January 17, 2016
