Zhong Yuyan

Zhong Yuyan

His name is Qichu, courtesy name Shengde and pseudonym Yuyan. He was born in the 25th year of the Southern Song Emperor Shaoxing’s reign (1155) in Chini, Huaxian County, Guangdong. He moved to Luogang at a young age with his father and studied at Zhongde’an Study built by his father. He became a “jinshi” (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations till 50 in the 1st year of the Southern Song Emperor Ningzong’s reign (1205). He advanced his career to central secretariat and grand master of court discussion. He was subsequently framed by treacherous officials, but he argued strongly on just grounds and avoided false charges. Following this matter, he thought he was too old (61 years old) to continue his career, so he resigned and went back to his hometown, where he taught and served locals.