Zhuo Wenjun (175121 BCE) was a Chinese poet of the

Western Han The Han dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China (202 BC9 AD, 25–220 AD) established by Liu Bang and ruled by the House of Liu. The dynasty was preceded by the short-lived Qin dynasty (221–206 BC) and a warring int ...

dynasty. Some of her most popular works include ''Bai tou Yin'' (Chant about Old Age), ''Juebie Shu'' (Farewell Letter) and ''Yuanlang Shi'' (Blaming Husband Poem), although some scholars debate her authorship.

Biography

Zhuo Wenjun was a lady from the Zhuo family of the Sichuan province, and her father was Zhuo Wangsun. She was highly educated, especially skilled at music and poetry. Married at sixteen, she was soon widowed and returned to her parents.

Sima Xiangru Sima Xiangru ( , c. 179117BC) was a Chinese musician, poet, and politician who lived during the Han dynasty#Western Han, Western Han dynasty. Sima is a significant figure in the history of Classical Chinese poetry, and is generally regarded as ...

, a famous poet and musician, during a stay in

Chengdu Chengdu; Sichuanese dialects, Sichuanese pronunciation: , Standard Chinese pronunciation: ; Chinese postal romanization, previously Romanization of Chinese, romanized as Chengtu. is the capital city of the Chinese province of Sichuan. With a ...

, was invited to their home by the Zhuos. Zhuo Wenjun fell in love with him when she saw him play the '' qin'' and did not hesitate to run away with him. Angry, her father denied her any support. Finding herself in poverty because her new husband's family was not rich, Zhuo Wenjun opened a wine shop. Ashamed that his daughter was a simple innkeeper, her father relented and gave them money and servants. Emperor Wu learned of Sima Xiangru's talent and offered him an official cargo in the capital. There, Sima distanced himself not only physically from his wife, but also wrote her a letter informing her of his intent to take a concubine. Saddened, Zhuo Wenjun replied with a long poem that moved him so deeply that he was ashamed of his plan and returned with her, living together until their old age. When he died, she composed a funeral ode in his honor.

Popular media

She is portrayed by Park Si-yeon in the 2004 Chinese television series ''Feng Qiu Huang.''

Notes

References

Chinese women poets 2nd-century BC Chinese women writers 2nd-century BC Chinese poets 1st-century BC Chinese women writers 1st-century BC Chinese poets Year of birth unknown Year of death unknown Writers from Chengdu Poets from Sichuan {{China-poet-stub