英文摘要 |
A high official of the Ming, Qian Qianyi (1582–1664) surrendered to the conquering Qing forces in 1645 and was disgraced as a “twice-serving official” in the book of history since. Qian did something equally striking, though not on the political front, in the late Ming: Qian married the legendary courtesan of the time, Liu Rushi. During their period of courtship, they wrote poems to match one another’s. Their poems were included in the Dongshan chouhe ji, a poetry book Qian published in celebration of their marriage. This essay examines the recurring images of plum blossoms and willows in their exchanged poems. It suggests that the plum blossoms and willows can be taken as symbols of Qian and Liu themselves. Through the interaction of these symbols in their matching poems, Qian and Liu developed friendship and love, and shaped desire. |