References

• 《四庫全書總目提要·卷167 集部·別集類二十 元二》

Source: 《蛻菴集》, a five-volume collection of poetry and prose, was compiled by Zhang Zhu during the Yuan Dynasty. Zhang Zhu, also known by his courtesy name Zhongju, was from Jinning. In the early Yuan period, he was recommended as a recluse and appointed as a teaching assistant at the National Academy, where he taught in Shangdu. He later retired to the Huai East region. During the compilation of the Histories of the Song, Liao, and Jin Dynasties, he was appointed as a compilation official at the Hanlin National History Academy. He was eventually promoted to Academy Chancellor of the Hanlin Academy, retired, and was later appointed as the Chancellor of the Henan Provincial Administration, receiving a lifelong salary. His biographical details are recorded in his Yuan Dynasty biography. It is important to note that during the Jin Dynasty, there was another Zhang Zhu, with the courtesy name Zhongyang. Liu Qi in his Guiqianzhi (The Record of a Recluse) quoted several of Zhongyang's poems, describing them as "floaty and ornate." Some sources mistakenly identify the two Zhang Zhus as the same person, which is incorrect. Zhang Zhu studied under Li Cun and was influenced by the teachings of Lu Jiuyuan. His poetic style was influenced by Qiu Yuan, from whom he learned the intricacies of rhythm and meter. His poetry is characterized by its clarity, roundness, and stability, with a high level of artistic quality. His lyric and regulated verse were highly praised during his time. However, his ancient-style poetry is also robust and worthy of recitation, often containing satirical elements that reflect the traditions of poets like Yuan Zhen, Bai Juyi, Zhang Ji, and Wang Jian. Wang Shizhen in his Juyilu (Records of Ease) commented: "Zhang Zhu was a major poet at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, and his poetry in both ancient and modern styles adheres to strict rules. Even compared to figures like Zhao Mengfu and Yu Ji, or contemporaries like Fan Chengda and Jie Manshu, it is difficult to determine who surpasses whom." This assessment is considered accurate. Historical records indicate that Zhang Zhu's original manuscripts were not widely disseminated. Only his regulated verse and fu (a type of classical Chinese poetry) were preserved, totaling three volumes. However, Wang Shizhen mentioned that "The Juyilu contains four volumes, a handwritten copy by Lang Cheng of Xishan, dating back to Hongwu year 3 (1370)." This version is a Ming Dynasty initial manuscript, hand-copied by the Buddhist monk Dazhu, and includes prefaces and postscripts by Lai Fu and Zong Le. Dazhu and Zhang Zhu were close friends. After Zhang Zhu's death in the late Yuan Dynasty, without any heirs, Dazhu collected his manuscripts and brought them to Jiangnan, where he selected and compiled them. Despite this, the collection is not complete, as other works by Zhang Zhu are recorded in anthologies such as Yinyin, Qiankun Qingqi Ji, and Yushan Yaji. This comprehensive collection, while not complete, remains a significant contribution to the study of Yuan Dynasty literature. ==References== * 《四庫全書總目提要·卷167 集部·別集類二十 元二》