《Qianshan Tang Ji》(《鈐山堂集》) is a collection of literary works in 35 volumes, authored by Yan Song (嚴嵩) during the Ming Dynasty. Yan Song, whose courtesy name was Wei Zhong (惟中), was a native of Fen Yi. He attained the status of jinshi (進士) in the Hongzhi era, specifically in the year Yi Chou (乙丑). He eventually rose to the position of Grand Secretary (大學士) and his life and deeds are recorded in the "Biographies of Treacherous Ministers" section of the Ming History.

Despite his notorious reputation for wielding power and favor, Yan Song's poetry stands out among his contemporaries. As noted by Wang Shizhen in his work "Yuefu Bian" (《樂府變》), "Even though the peacock is poisonous, it cannot hide its beauty." This sentiment reflects a general acknowledgment of the literary merit of Yan's work. However, his overall conduct and character were widely criticized, and he is often compared unfavorably to other literary figures who, despite their flaws, possessed both talent and integrity. Consequently, while his poetry is recognized for its skill, it is primarily preserved to serve as a historical record, emphasizing the principle of exposing wrongdoing.

References

• 《四庫全書總目提要·卷176 集部·別集類存目三》

鈐山堂集

《鈐山堂集》，三十五卷，為明朝嚴嵩所撰。嚴嵩，字惟中，江西分宜人，於弘治乙丑年（1505年）中進士，曾任大學士，其生平事跡詳載於《明史·奸臣傳》。嚴嵩雖恃寵專權，然其詩作在同時代文人中獨具特色，卓爾不群。王世貞在其《樂府變》中評價道：「孔雀雖有毒，不能揜文章。」此評論堪稱公允。然而，嚴嵩之行為終究與其他文士不同，其才華與品德並不相稱，因此，《鈐山堂集》雖然詩文精美，但僅列其目錄，以示警示之意。