⬅️ 唐诗 Tang Poems
Meng Haoran (孟浩然，689-740 AD) was a famous poet of high Tang period. If to select one poem that is best known in China, it probably would be Meng Haoran's Dawn in Spring. This poem is selected in the first grade Chinese Language text book. So literally every person in China can recite this poem.
Unlike most poets or scholars in Chinese history, although he also pursued career in government, Meng Haoran did not have the chance to get an official position, partly because he did not pass the prestigious Jinshi (进士) examination and partly because of his character flaw. His friend Wang Wei (王维), another great poet of his contemporaries, once invited Meng to his office. The Emperor Xuanzong (唐玄宗) stopped by unexpectedly. Meng Haoran was so scared that he hid himself under the bed. Wang Wei told the emperor Meng's presence. Emperor Xuanzong was very glad and said:"I have heard his name but have never had the chance to meet him. What is he so scared of?" So Emperor Xuanzhong asked Meng to come out and present some of his works. Meng recited one of his poems to the emperor. However, one line in that poem made the emperor quite mad:"As an untalented I was discarded by the wise lord." The emperor said:"You have never asked for a position from me and I have never discarded you. Why do you accuse me of doing so?" As a consequence the emperor sent Meng Haoran home.
Han Chaozong (韩朝宗), another Meng Haoran's friend and a local government official, wanted to recommend Meng to the imperial court. He arranged a gathering with some other officials for Meng. However, before the meeting, Meng was drinking with his friend. When someone reminded Meng that he had an appointment with Han Chaozong soon, Meng rebuked:"I have already started drinking. Why do I care!" Han Chaozong was very angry and came to see Meng Haoran to say goodbye. Meng did not show any regret.
Despite his unsuccessful pursuit in politics, Meng Haoran remained as a prominent figure of Mountains and Streams (Shanshui 山水) poetry. He was the first Shanshui poet of Tang dynasty. His works had great influence on the younger poets, including Wang Wei (王维), Li Bai (李白) and Du Fu （杜甫）. Fifteen of Meng Haoran's poems were included in the poetry anthology Three Hundred Tang Poems.
